Physical activity and dietary behavior in relation to perceived stress levels among young adults during the transition to endemic phase of Covid-19

Background: Stress is widely acknowledged to have an influence on physical activity and dietary habits. The prevalence of stress levels has drastically increased following the unprecedented Covid-19 outbreak. The transition to the endemic phase of Covid-19 is currently underway in Malaysia. This study aims to investigate the perceived stress levels, physical activity habits, and dietary behaviors of young adults in Malaysia during this transition to the endemic phase. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from 5th November to 30th December 2022, using an online questionnaire consisting of three main sections: sociodemographic, physical activity and dietary behavior scale, and perceived stress scale. Results: The prevalence of low perceived stress (LPS) was found to be greater than high perceived stress (HPS), with LPS accounting for 54% and HPS accounting for 46%. HPS young adults exhibited significantly higher levels (P < 0.05) of stress eating, overeating, and skipping main meals compared to LPS. Positive correlations were observed between perceived stress and stress eating (P = 0.001), skipping breakfast (P = 0.025), skipping lunch (P = 0.005), skipping dinner (P = 0.001), and overeating (P = 0.007). Conclusion: The present study reveals the need to implement health interventions focusing on nutrition and stress management for young adults experiencing high levels of perceived stress.