ASSOCIATION OF SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS TO PERCEIVED STRESS IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Introduction: Stress, a body response to stressful stimuli, varies between individuals due to physiological, psychological and environmental factors. Objective: To associate sociodemographic factors and nutritional status in perceived stress in university students in Teresina, PI. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with a descriptive approach, exploratory and quantitative. A total of 113 students from IES health courses participated in the study, registered through sociodemographic questionnaires and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14). Results: The results indicated that the majority are young, women, were in the early stages, nutritional status of eutrophy and high level of stress. Excess of weight was observed, possibly influenced by the pandemic. Significant correlation between stress and physical activity was observed, indicating a protective effect of physical activity. Conclusion: It was observed that the high level of stress was more present in younger individuals, women and those who were attending the early stages of graduation.