Background Encouraging healthful eating is essential for promoting healthy lifestyles among college students. Eating environments play a significant role, as does the availability of healthy food options. Objective This study evaluated the healthy food availability and environmental support for healthful choices at 4 geographically distinct US universities. A subanalysis compared establishment type. Study Design, Setting, Participants Cross-sectional study of 40 dining establishments across 4 large, public US universities using the Healthy Campus Environmental Audit. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Mean healthy food choice (HFC) and environment to support healthy eating (ESHE) scores with SDs were calculated for all dining establishments (n = 40). Subanalyses were conducted to measure scores by each university (n = 4) and location type (dining halls, sit-down restaurants, fast-food establishments). Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics. Results Total mean scores for all universities’ HFC were 34.0 ± 12.8 out of a possible score of 85, and the ESHE was 29.3 ± 6.2 out of 60. Rutgers University (n =10) had HFC and ESHE scores of 38.7 ± 14.7 and 31.5 ± 4.9, respectively. The University of New Hampshire (n = 10) had an HFC score of 34.2 ± 13.7 and an ESHE score of 28.8 ± 5.0. Louisiana State University (n = 12) had HFC and ESHE scores of 32.5 ± 3.9 and 27.2 ± 7.7, respectively. West Virginia University (n = 8) had an HFC score of 29.9 ± 5.7 and an ESHE score of 30.3 ± 6.2. Dining halls scored highest for both, with HFC scores ranging between 57 and 68, and ESHE scores ranging between 33 and 36. Fast-food establishments scored lowest in both categories, with HFC scores ranging between 28.2 and 33.8 and ESHE scores ranging between 25.4 and 32.0. Conclusions Overall, scores were low for HSE (< 40% of the highest) and ESHE (< 49% of the highest). Dining halls provide the most healthful environments, whereas fast-food establishments remain a barrier to healthy eating on or near campuses. Universities should consider increasing healthy food availability and improving environmental supports for healthy food consumption across dining and retail locations to better support healthy lifestyle choices among students. Funding US Department of Agriculture

Abstract Background College-attending young adults frequently experience declines in diet quality, physical activity, and psychological well-being during the transition to independent living, contributing to weight gain during the first year of college. Although multicomponent lifestyle interventions have been developed to address these behaviors, the responsiveness to such programs could differ across demographic factors associated with health behaviors, such as sex, race, and ethnicity. Hence, this secondary analysis of large-scale college health trials evaluated whether the effectiveness of such interventions differed by these demographic factors. Methods Data were combined from two multi-site randomized controlled trials: Young Adults Eating and Active for Health (YEAH) trial and the Get FRUVED trial. Both interventions used theory-based approaches to promote healthy weight management through improvements in diet quality, physical activity, and stress management. Baseline-adjusted linear regression models evaluated the effects of group (intervention, control) and its interactions with sex, race (White, Black, Other), or Hispanic ethnicity. Models were adjusted for baseline outcome values, baseline BMI, study (YEAH vs. FRUVED), and state of data collection. Results Intervention participants reported higher fruit and vegetable intake, lower processed meat intake, and longer sleep duration compared with controls. However, there was significant heterogeneity in these dietary outcomes by ethnicity, race, and sex. Non-Hispanic participants in the intervention group had higher fruit and vegetable intake compared to controls (p < 0.05). And, within the intervention group, Hispanic females had lower bacon/sausage intake than Hispanic males and non-Hispanic females (p < 0.05). With respect to race, Black participants reported higher total processed meat intake than White and Other race participants in the intervention group (p <0.05). These demographic factors did not moderate the intervention’s impact on physical activity, sleep duration, and perceived stress. Overall, the intervention appeared to be the least effective for Hispanic males who exhibited higher body weight and waist circumference compared with Hispanic females and non-Hispanic males (p < 0.05). Conclusions Multicomponent lifestyle interventions can improve selected dietary outcomes among college students, but effectiveness may differ across demographic subgroups. Culturally and sex-tailored strategies that consider the intersecting influences of sex, race, and ethnicity may enhance intervention effectiveness during the transition to college.

This study explored Extension nutrition educators’ (NEs) perceptions of community members’ challenges and opportunities for achieving a healthy lifestyle. NEs represented various communities with low income across nine states. NEs across locations identified similar barriers (i.e., lack of access and availability of healthy and affordable foods; access to transportation; and financial insecurity) and opportunities (i.e., trustworthy and free nutrition education resources and programs; and access to food banks, food pantries, and health care professionals) that prevented or facilitated a healthful lifestyle. Future research should explore key community stakeholder and community member perceptions to guide the development of community-driven interventions.

Background In the United States, obesity affects more than 20% of young adults, between the ages of 18-24 years. RFF frequency is associated with increased risk of OV/OB among college students in other countries; however, data are limited among US college students. Objective To examine RFF frequency and its relationship to OV/OB status among college students. Study Design, Settings, Participants Data were collected from an ongoing, cross-sectional study between 2005-2022. Participants, 18-24 years, were recruited from a general education nutrition course and represented students from all majors and class standings at a public, northeast university. Measurable Outcome/Analysis RFF frequency was self-reported via survey using a single item: On average, how many times a week do you eat in a restaurant or fast-food chain? Frequent consumers were defined as ≥3x/week, infrequent consumers: 1-2x/week, and non-consumers: 0x/week. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated using participants’ measured height and weight (kg/m2) categorized into three BMI groups: 30=obese). Demographics were reported using frequencies. Chi-square analysis was used to assess the proportional differences in BMI categories across RFF frequency. Results The final sample (n=10,741) had a mean age of 18.9±1.4 years and mean BMI of 23.6±3.7 kg/m2. Most students were female (69.5%), first-year (53.9%), and majoring in non-health disciplines (73.5%). Few (6.8%) students reported being frequent consumers of RFF, 49.7% infrequent, and 43.5% reported as non-consumers. Males were more likely to be frequent consumers vs. females (9.5 vs. 5.6%, p<.001). Most (73.0%) had a healthy BMI, 21.3% were overweight, and 5.7% as obese. Frequent RFF consumers were more likely to be obese compared to those who were infrequent and non-consumers (8.5% vs. 5.7% and 5.3%, respectively, p<.001). Conclusions Most college students reported weekly use of RFF. Frequent consumers of RFF were more likely to be obese. Findings suggest the need for a greater understanding of RFF frequency on obesity risk among college students and may support tailored health interventions to address risk factors in this population. Funding NIFA, New Hampshire Agriculture Experiment Station, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Project 1010738, and the State of New Hampshire

Background Skin carotenoids (SC) have been shown to predict serum carotenoids and increasingly have been incorporated into the research setting as an objective measure of fruit and vegetable (FV) intake. To date, existing data using SC across different populations are limited. Further, the relationship of SC to self-reported FV intake has not been well documented. Objective To examine SC measures in comparison to self-reported FV intake among young adults, 18-24 years old. Study Design, Setting, Participants Data were collected between 2018-23 from the College Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey, an ongoing cross-sectional study at a public, northeast land-grant university. Participants are recruited from a general education, introductory nutrition course and represented all majors and class standings at the university. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Skin carotenoid scores were measured using the VEGGIE METER® (Longevity Link). Measures were conducted in triplicate and averaged. Self-reported FV intake (average cups/day) were assessed from 3-day food diaries recorded on non-consecutive days then analyzed by online nutrient analysis software (Diet and Wellness+). Differences in SC scores between groups of FV intake (<1, 1-1.99, 2-2.99, 3-3.99, 4-4.99, and ≥5 cups/day) were analyzed using ANCOVA, using % body fat and gender as covariates, as well as post-hoc pairwise comparisons. Results After exclusion of participants with missing data, the final sample (n=2041) was predominantly white (93.1%), female (61.7%), and first year students (45.4%). Mean intake of FV was 2.6±1.7 cups and mean SC scores was 281.4±90.41. Skin carotenoid scores positively increased with each FV group (244.0±60.5, 256.8±70.9, 270.8±72.6, 301.1±90.6, 328.8±103.3, 374.1±132.2, p<.001); SC scores were significantly different for all FV intake groups except between those who consumed <1 vs. 1-1.99 cups of FV (p=.067). Conclusions Data supports a positive and linear relationship between SC scores and self-reported FV intake in a sample of college students. Given the ease of use and low subject burden, SC scores are promising tool for objective assessment of FV intake and a useful addition to intervention studies, community, and clinical settings. Funding NIFA, New Hampshire Agriculture Experiment Station, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Project 1010738, State of New Hampshire

Background Heart disease is the leading cause of death for people of all genders and races in the U.S. Cigarette use, e-cigarette use, and alcohol consumption are modifiable lifestyle factors associated with heart disease risk. Co-usage of different substances on heart disease risk among young adults is an area that warrants further research. Objective To characterize the current prevalence and pattern of co-usage of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and alcohol among college students ages 18-24, and investigate the relationship of these substances on heart disease risk assessed by blood pressure, HDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride (TG) levels. Study Design, Settings, Participants Data were collected between 2021-2023 through the College Health and Nutrition Assessment Study, an ongoing cross-sectional study at a northeastern, public land-grant university in the U.S. that aims to understand factors affecting young adult health. Measurable Outcome/Analysis The use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and alcohol of the participants was self-reported through an online survey; fasting HDL, TG, and blood pressure levels were collected during an in-person assessment and evaluated for group differences using ANCOVA with adjustments for BMI and gender. Results Overall, 38.0% of the participants (n=798, 36% male) did not report any use of cigarette, e-cigarette, or alcohol; 38.3% reported current e-cigarette use; 3.8% reported current cigarette use, and 55.1% reported binge drinking in the past 30 days. About one-third (30.5%) reported regular use of one substance, 28.1% reported two, and 3.5% reported three. Triglycerides increased in each group of users (nonusers, 1, 2, and 3 substances: 80.1±2.4, 83.8±2.7, 88.4±2.8, 102.5±8.1 mg/dL, respectively, p=.02). HDL increased according to level of binge drinking (non-drinkers, infrequent, and frequent: 52.6±0.7, 54.6±1.0, 57.0±0.9 mg/dL, respectively; p<.01). No group differences were observed for blood pressure. Conclusions These findings support the need for further research on the additive effect of substance use on heart disease. Further, the data provide evidence to incorporate substance use management into health interventions that aim to reduce the burden of future disease for young adults. Funding NIFA, New Hampshire Agriculture Experiment Station, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Project 1010738, and the State of New Hampshire.

Background Research suggests underestimation of body weight may be associated with beneficial psychological resilience against consequences of obesity, compared with accurate perception. Less is known about the comparison between those who underestimate versus those who overestimate their body weight. Objective To investigate differences in life satisfaction, social/emotional support, and weight change intentions between those who underestimate vs overestimate vs accurately perceive their body weight. Study Design, Settings, Participants Data were collected between 2008-2023 from the College Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey, a cross-sectional study of undergraduates, ages 18-24 years. After exclusions for missing data, the final sample (n=8203) was 93.9% white, 69.3% female, and had a mean age of 18.9±1.1. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Weight self-perception, weight change intent, life satisfaction, and social/emotional support, were measured via online survey. BMI (kg/m2) was calculated via height and weight measured by technicians, then compared with weight self-perception to determine self-perception accuracy. Chi-square analysis was used to evaluate differences between self-perception accuracy categories. Results About two-thirds (68.9%) perceived their weight category accurately, while one-third (31.1%) misperceived, with 19.5% underestimating and 11.6% overestimating. Women were more likely to overestimate (14.7% vs. 4.6%, p<.001), while men were more likely to underestimate their weight (37.5% vs. 11.6%, p<.001). Underestimaters were more likely to report weight maintenance intent or no weight change intent vs. overestimaters (33.2% vs. 14.2%, p<.001). Overestimaters were less likely to report high life satisfaction compared with underestimators and accurate perceivers (19.9% vs. 35.8% vs. 33.4%, p<.001). No differences in self-reported social support between groups were observed. Conclusions In young adults, data suggest underestimation of weight was associated with less intentional weight change behavior and higher life satisfaction. These results may help guide practitioners working with young adults by revealing differing patterns in weight misperception. Funding NIFA, New Hampshire Agriculture Experiment Station, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Project 1010738, and the State of New Hampshire

Background Cancer (CA) among adolescents and young adults (AYA) presents with unique biological characteristics and histological distributions that differ from children or older adults. CA incidence among AYA (15-39 years) is on the rise despite stable rates among other patient populations, and current literature lacks a consensus as to the etiology behind this trend. Behaviors and characteristics such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, obesity, diet quality, and sedentary lifestyles have been linked to increased CA risk. Objective To determine if AYA engage in these behaviors at a higher rate compared to previous years, increasing their risk for CA. Study Design, Settings, Participants This descriptive, cross-sectional study collected data between 2005-2023 from a convenience sample of undergraduate students ages 18-24 years enrolled in an entry-level, general education nutrition course at a large, northeastern university. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Alcohol/tobacco/vape use, and self/family medical history were self-reported through an online survey. Dietary intake was assessed via 3-day food records and online nutrient analysis software. Daily activity level (steps/day) was measured via research-grade pedometers. Height and weight were measured in duplicate after an overnight fast by research assistants. Results Most of the final sample (n=11600) were female (68.7%) and reported self or family history of CA (69.3%). Average BMI was 23.6±3.7 kg/m2, and 6.1% of students met criteria for obesity (≥30 kg/m2). Over half (57.9%) reported binge drinking within the past 30 days. While a low proportion of students reported smoking cigarettes (6.5%), almost one in four (23.3%) of students reported using an electronic vape daily or almost daily. A low proportion of students met recommendations for fruit (21.6%), vegetable (22.3%) and fiber intake (16%). Most students (74.3%) were categorized as somewhat active, and 11.4% were sedentary-low active. Conclusions While most students reported family or self-history of CA, many also reported behaviors link to increased cancer risk including binge drinking, vaping, and poor dietary quality. This data has the potential to inform interventions targeting AYA aiming to reduce CA risk. Funding NIFA

Background Previous research has investigated the negative psychological and physical impacts of non-academic screen time (NAST). More research is needed to understand the relationship between NAST and perceived weight status (PWS) accuracy among young adults. Objective To explore the relationship between PWS and NAST among undergraduate young adults. Study Design, Settings, Participants Data were collected between 2020-2023 from a cross-sectional study of undergraduates (18-24 years old) at a northeastern university. Analyses were conducted with self-reported NAST and PWS data and measured anthropometrics. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Self-reported PWS and NAST were obtained from survey data. BMI (kg/m2) was calculated using measured height and weight. PWS was compared to measured BMI; participants were then classified as under-perceivers (UP), over-perceivers (OP), or accurate-perceivers (AP) based on perception accuracy. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) assessed differences in NAST among PWS groups, stratified by males and females. Results The final sample (n=1250) identified as mostly female (56%), white (94%) and as non-allied health or nutrition majors (75%); the mean age was 19.1±1.1 years. Most (66.8%) had a normal BMI (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), and 61.7% reported their weight as “about the right weight”. Participants had an overall mean NAST of 5.3±1.7 hr/day. Males had a higher mean NAST vs. females (5.9±1.9 vs. 4.9±1.5 hr/day, p<.001). Males were more likely than females to be categorized as UPs (40.5% vs. 12.9%); females were more likely than males to be OPs (15.3% vs 5.6%), both p<.001. Among males, UPs reported higher NAST vs. OPs and APs (5.8±1.8 vs. 5.2±1.8 and 5.1±1.6 hours, respectively, p<.001); however, no significant group differences were seen between females (p>.05). Conclusions Results suggest a relationship between NAST and PWS accuracy, particularly among college men. Findings may help to inform health initiatives aiming to improve physical and mental health and reduce NAST among young adults. Funding NIFA

To characterize the prevalence of food insecurity among college students with and without disabilities. Cross-sectional data were collected between 2018–2020 at a mid-size, northeast public university as part of the ongoing College Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey. An online survey collected self-reported data, including food security and disability status. Food security status was measured via the U.S Household Food Security Survey Module 6-Item Short Form, and categorized into very low, low, marginal, and high food security. Disability status was categorized into yes or no via affirmative answers to either one of two items related to limitations or use of specialized equipment. Chi-square was used to assess the differences in food insecurity prevalence among students with and without disabilities. The sample (n = 880) was 60.6% female, predominately white (94.3%), and had a mean age of 19 ± 1.2 years. One out of seven students (14.6%) reported a disability; 18.6% reported low or very low food security (13.2% and 5.5% respectively) and 81.4% reported high or marginal food security (67.6% and 13.8%, respectively). Students with a disability reported higher rates of food insecurity vs. those without a disability (35.9% vs. 16.0%, P < 0.001). Among students with a disability, 12.8% reported very low food security and 23.1% reported low food security, compared to 4.3% and 11.7%, respectively, among those students without disabilities. College students with disabilities experienced far greater rates of food insecurity than students without disabilities. Further research, including qualitative work, can help to understand and develop better supports for this underserved segment of the college population. The New Hampshire Agriculture Experiment Station and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch Project 1010738.

Background: Research suggests sleep duration can influence metabolic systems including glucose homeostasis, blood pressure, hormone regulation, nervous system activity, and total energy expenditure (TEE), all of which are related to cardiometabolic disease risk, even in young adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between sleep duration and metabolic syndrome severity scores (MSSS) in a sample of emerging adults (18–24 y/o). Methods: Data were collected between 2012 and 2021 from the College Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey, an ongoing, cross-sectional study conducted at a midsized northeastern university. Anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical measures were obtained following an overnight fast and used to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). MetS severity scores (MSSS) were calculated using race- and sex-specific formulas. Sleep duration was calculated from the difference in self-reported bedtime and wake time acquired through an online survey. ANCOVA was used to examine the relationship between sleep duration and MetS severity score while adjusting for covariates (age, sex, BMI, physical activity level, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and academic major). Results: In the final sample (n = 3816), MetS (≥3 criteria) was present in 3.3% of students, while 15.4% of students presented with ≥2 MetS criteria. Mean MSSS was −0.65 ± 0.56, and the reported sleep duration was 8.2 ± 1.3 h/day. MSSS was higher among low sleepers (<7 h/day) and long sleepers (>9 h/day) compared to the reference sleepers (7–8 h/day) (−0.61 ± 0.02 and −0.63 ± 0.01 vs. −0.7 ± 0.02, respectively, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Our findings suggest short (<7 h/day) and long (>9 h/day) sleep durations raise the risk of MetS in a sample of emerging adults. Further research is needed to elucidate the impact of improving sleep habits on future disease risk.

Early adulthood plays a key role in the development of healthy eating habits, however, the association between dietary indices and cardiometabolic risk is not well investigated in younger adults. This study assessed diet quality and its relationship with cardiometabolic risk of university students. Between 2007–21 students (18–24 years) were recruited from a northeast university as part of the ongoing College Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey. All participants were enrolled in a semester-long nutrition course. Students completed a 3-day dietary food record; nutrient intake was calculated using online analysis software. A modified Healthy Eating Index (mHEI) score was assigned (0–100) based on HEI-2005, -2010, and -2015 categories using daily intakes of fruit, vegetables, grains, meat and beans, fatty acids, protein, milk, saturated fat, sodium, and empty calories. After excluding cases with missing data and stratifying for sex, mHEI scores were grouped into quartiles. Chi-square analyses assessed the relationship between ascending mHEI quartiles (Q1-4) with prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and individual MetS criterion. The final sample (n = 6,214) of students included mostly first- or second-year students (85%) but only 6% were nutrition majors (n = 455). About a third (29%) of students met 1 criterion for MetS and 14.5% met ≥ 2 (n = 1,167.) More men than women met 1 or 2 MetS criteria (43.3% vs. 35.5%, 17.1% vs. 12.9%, respectively, both p < .001). Mean mHEI score was 64.4 ± 12.6. Participants in mHEI Q1 vs. Q4 were more likely to meet ≥ 2 MetS criteria (22.7% vs. 15.0%, X2 = 30.0, p < 0.0001). Moreover, a higher proportion of mHEI Q1 v. Q4 met the criteria for fasting plasma glucose (7.4% v. 4.0%, X2 = 29.0, p < 0.001) and blood pressure (22.8% v. 19.1%, X2 = 8.8, p = 0.04). Findings support a relationship between dietary quality and cardiometabolic risk in the college population and suggest a need for further research on the dietary habits of young adults for disease prevention earlier in the life cycle. New Hampshire Agriculture Experiment Station and USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch Project 1,010,738.

The purpose of this study is to explore the association between reported family history (FHx) of heart disease (HD), cancer, and/or diabetes, with fruit and vegetable (f/v) intake in college students. Data were collected between 2006–21 from the College Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey, an ongoing, cross-sectional study conducted at a midsized, northeast university. Reported FHx data were obtained from a personal health history form; age, race, and gender were collected from an online survey. Three-day food records analyzed via online nutrient software (Diet&WellnessPlus) were used to calculate average f/v intake (cups/day). Anthropometric assessments (height, weight, body composition) were measured in duplicate after overnight fast. Mean f/v intake was compared between students with FHx and those without FHx via ANCOVA; daily calories, BMI, and gender served as covariates. After omission for missing data, the final sample (n = 8686) was 70.1% female and 94.3% white; the mean age was 18.9 ± .01 years. Overall, 84% of total sample reported having a FHx of at least one of the three diseases. Almost half (47%) reported FHx of heart disease, 46.2% reported FHx of diabetes, and 69% reported a FHx of cancer. Mean total f/v intake of subjects was 3.2 ± .02 cups/day. Those with a FHx of diabetes consumed slightly less f/v than those without a FHx (3.2 ± .03 vs 3.1 ± .03, p = .04) and those with a FHx of cancer also consumed less than those not reporting a FHx (3.2 ± .3 vs 3.1 ± .2, p = .04). Findings suggest most students were aware of FHx of at least one chronic disease, and only small differences in f/v intake were observed between those with FHx and without FHx. Increasing students' awareness of risk factors for future disease including genetic predisposition may be important in the promotion of healthier diets and lifestyle behaviors. New Hampshire Agriculture Experiment Station and USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch Project 1,010,738.

Research suggests sleep duration can influence metabolic systems including fasting glucose, blood pressure, hormone regulation, nervous system activity, and total energy expenditure (TEE), all of which are related to cardiometabolic disease risk. The purpose of this study is to examine the association between sleep duration and metabolic syndrome severity scores (MSSS) in a sample of emerging adults (18–24 y/o). Data were collected between 2012 and 2021 from the College Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey, an ongoing, cross-sectional study conducted at a midsized northeastern university. Anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical measures were obtained following an overnight fast and used to assess the prevalence if metabolic syndrome (MetS). MetS severity scores (MSSS) were calculated using race- and sex-specific formulas. Sleep duration was calculated from the difference in self-reported bedtime and get-up time acquired though an online survey. ANCOVA was used to examine the relationship between sleep duration and MetS severity score while adjusting for covariates (age, sex, BMI, physical activity level, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and major). MetS (>3 criteria) was present in 3.4% of the final sample (n = 3,893); 15.7% of students >2 MetS criteria. Mean MSS was −0.65 + 0.56 and reported sleep duration was 7.91 + 1.2 hours/day. MSS differed between for short sleepers (< 7 hrs) and long sleepers (>9 hrs) compared to the reference sleepers (7–8 hrs/day) (−0.61 + 0.21 and −0.63 + 0.13 vs. −0.7 + 0.15, p < .01). Our findings suggest that short (<7 h/d) and long (>9 h/d) sleep durations raise the risk of MetS in a sample of emerging adults. Further research is needed to elucidate the impact of improving sleep habits on future disease risk. New Hampshire Agriculture Experiment Station and USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch Project 1010738.

Objective: To assess differences in dietary quality among college men reporting high, moderate, and non-video game usage. Participants: College men aged 18-24. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected between 2012 and 2020. Participants (n = 1259) were categorized according to self-reported video game usage: non-users (NVG), <1 h/day (MVG), and ≥1 h/day (HVG). ANCOVA identified group differences in nutrient intake from 3-day food records. Results: College men reported 30% NVG, 39% MVG, and 31% HVG. Higher saturated fat (30.2 ± 0.4 g and 30.1 ± 0.3 g, vs. 28.5 ± 0.4 g, p < .01, p < .01) and lower fruit/vegetable intake (3.00 ± 0.1 cups and 2.91 ± 0.1 cups, vs. 3.45 ± 0.1 cups, p < .00, p < .00) was observed in HVG and MVG vs. NVG. Higher discretionary calories (750 ± 13 kcals, vs. 686 ± 13 kcals, p < .00) in HVG and sodium (3922 ± 44 mg, vs. 3860 ± 50 mg, p < .02) in MVG were reported vs. NVG. Conclusion: Video game usage was associated with higher saturated fat, sodium, discretionary calories, and lower F/V intake in college men.

Despite the negative impact on health, safety, and academics, research shows college students have high rates of binge drinking. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between binge drinking and diet quality among college students at a large university. Data were collected between 2012–2021from the College Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey (CHANAS), an ongoing, cross-sectional study, at a northeastern university. After excluding participants with missing data, the final sample (n = 4,519) was 66.5% female and 33.5% male. Via online survey, participants self-reported their drinking occasions during the past 30 days; binge drinking was defined as ≥ 5 drinks for men and ≥ 4 drinks for women per occasion. Binge drinking was further categorized into 3 groups: non-binge drinkers, moderate binge drinkers (1–5 times/30 days), and heavy binge drinkers (5–30 times/30 days). Diet quality was assessed using a modified Healthy Eating Index (HEI); scoring was based upon HEI-2005, -2010, and -2015. Differences in HEI scores according to binge drinking participation were evaluated using ANCOVA; gender, age, total perceived stress scores, and BMI served as covariates. More than half (n = 2,624; 58.1%) of participants reported binge drinking within the past 30 days; 19.5% of participants reported binge drinking 6 or more times within the past 30 days. The mean modified HEI score was 64.8 ± .2. Heavy binge drinkers had the lowest HEI scores when compared to moderate and non-binge drinkers (63.8 ± .4 vs. 64.8 ± .3 and 65.5 ± .3, p = 0.05, p < 0.01). Findings show high rates of binge drinking. While many college students will benefit from reducing binge drinking habits data also suggests a modest relationship with dietary quality. This work adds to the evidence in the college population of the benefits of reducing alcohol intake. New Hampshire Agriculture Experiment Station and USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch Project 1,010,738.

To assess differences in eating competence (EC) between first-generation students (FG) and students with 1 + parents who graduated from college (non-FG), in students 18–24 years old, at a large, northeastern, public university. Data were collected between 2015–2020 from the College Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey, an ongoing, cross-sectional study at a northeastern university. Participants (n = 1974) completed the Eating Competence Satter Inventory (ecSI 2.0TM) and self-reported education status of both parents through an online survey (Qualtrics) during the 3rd or 4th week of classes. ecSI scores range from 0–48; eating competence was defined as ≥32. Subgroups within the ecSI include Eating Attitudes, Food Acceptance, Food Regulation and Contextual Skills. FG was defined if both parents did not obtain a college degree. ANCOVA evaluated differences between mean ecSI scores of FG vs. non-FG (n = 1478); age, gender, race, Pell Grant status, dining hall usage, athlete status, and available kitchen served as covariates. In this sample, 64.9% of participants were female students, 25.2% were FG, and had a mean age of 19.0 ± 0.02 years. FG students (n = 496) had modestly lower mean ecSI scores than non-FG students (32.9 ± 0.4 vs. 34.0 ± 0.3, P = 0.03. Subscale scores for Food Acceptance (0–9), Food Regulation (0–9) and Contextual Skills (0–12) were lower in FG students compared to non-FG students (5.1 ± 0.1 vs. 5.4 ± 0.7, P = 0.03, 6.4 ± 0.1 vs. 6.6 ± 0.1, P = 0.05, and 10.4 ± 0.1 vs. 10.9 ± 0.1, P = 0.003 respectively). Results suggest FG students have lower EC scores than their non-FG counterparts; subscales suggest where FG students may need more support to achieve more favorable weight and health outcomes. More research in diverse communities of college students will help address the needs of FG students and strengthen outcomes for campus communities. New Hampshire Agriculture Experiment Stations and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch Project.