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Independent and combined association of milk tea and takeaway food consumption on depression, anxiety, and comorbid symptoms among Chinese university students
This research article examines the rising consumption of milk tea and takeaway food among Chinese university students and the potential adverse effects on their mental health. A multicenter cross-sectional survey conducted from September to November 2023 included 15,440 students from seven universities across four provinces in China. The study used Chi-square tests to examine single-factor associations between psychological symptoms and dietary behaviors, followed by multivariate logistic regression to identify independent associations, adjusting for demographic and lifestyle confounders. Interaction models further assessed the combined effects of milk tea and takeaway food consumption on depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and their comorbidity.
Findings indicated that milk tea consumption was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of anxiety symptoms and comorbidity. Similarly, takeaway food consumption correlated with anxiety symptoms. Notably, students consuming both milk tea and takeaway food exhibited a heightened risk of anxiety symptoms and comorbidity. Specific consumption combinations, particularly cream cap milk tea paired with grilled or deep-fried skewers, were strongly associated with comorbidity.
In conclusion, the study identifies independent associations between milk tea and takeaway food consumption with increased risks of anxiety symptoms and comorbid depression–anxiety among Chinese university students. The findings underscore the critical need for targeted dietary interventions to alleviate the psychological symptom burden in this demographic. [NPID: Processed food, takeaway food, milk tea, anxiety, depression, comorbidity]
Year: 2026
