Healthy Eating Index and Its Association with the Protective Factors Suicide among Undergraduates in a Private University in Malaysia

Gunasagran, Theviyashini (2024) Healthy Eating Index and Its Association with the Protective Factors Suicide among Undergraduates in a Private University in Malaysia. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

Healthy Eating Index (HEI) is one of the most widely accepted diet which consists of total amount of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry products, seafood products, dairy products, legumes products consumed and total fat intake and sodium intake. Suicide is defined as the deliberate and voluntary taking of one's own life whereas suicidal ideation is the thought of attempting suicide. Both of these have been widely studied by many researchers. However, the association between Healthy Eating Index and its association with the protective factors of suicide remain lacking. This study aims to find the relationship between Healthy Eating Index and its association with the protective factors of suicide among undergraduates in a private University. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study with purposive sampling method that involved 422 respondents between the age of 19 years old till 30 years old. The survey used for data collection was included with sociodemographic, suicide protective factors questionnaire such as Psychological Strain- (PSS-20), Psychache Scale, Depression, Anxiety, Stress scale (DASS-21), Purpose In Life Test-Short Form (PIL-SF), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Self-Esteem Scale (SES), Religious Commitment Inventory-10 (RCI-10), Attitudes Toward Suicide Scale (ATTS), Yatt Suicide Attitude Scale (YSAS), Suicidal Behavior Questionnaire–Revised (SBQ-R) and Healthy Eating Index (HEI). Results: The results showed an association between Healthy Eating Index and its association with the protective factors of suicide such as with Depression (p=0.028), with Anxiety (p=0.032) and with Religious Commitment (p=0.000). Kruskal-Walli’s test, Mann-Whitney U test, Chi square and Spearman correlation test were performed to obtain the p-value. The higher the risk of having poor diet, the higher the risk of suicide attempt or suicide ideation. Conclusion: There is an association between healthy eating index and protective factors of suicides among Undergraduate in a private university