The Effect of Exam Stress on Students’ Eating Habits and Lifestyle of University Students in Erbil

In the context of heightened emphasis on academic performance at universities, this study investigates into the crucial exploration of how lifestyle factors, particularly eating behavior, can impact students' academic success. The primary objective was to assess the influence of examination stress on the eating behaviors, habits, and lifestyle of university students in Erbil city, Kurdistan - Iraq. A cross-sectional study in the form of questionnaire was conducted at post-examinations period, utilizing the Eating Behavior and Lifestyle Changes, with 327 participants providing responses. The study was divided into two sections. Section one focusing on socio-demographic information and the second section focused on questions related to the impact of examination stress on the eating behavior and life style. The findings revealed that a substantial 87% of participants experienced stress during the examination period, affecting crucial aspects such as fatigue levels, sleeping behaviors, and notably, eating habits. The statistical analysis highlighted a significant correlation between decreased appetite during exams and gender (p = 0.00) and BMI (p = 0.00), while no association was observed with other participant variables (Age, Job, University, Income, or Residency). Notably, 34% (110) reported increased appetite, 39% (126) experienced decreased appetite, and 10% (34) did not notice any changes. Furthermore, the study revealed that 22% (72) of respondents skipped meals daily, 39% (128) occasionally skipped meals, and only 39% (127) did not skip any meals. To conclude, these findings shed light on the intricate relationship between examination stress and students' eating patterns, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to support students' well-being during challenging academic periods.