Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal

Background and Objectives: Proper nutrition has a significant role in prevention of chronic disease and health promotion. Psychological factors play an important role in making food choices and subsequently dietary habits and in this context, personality is considered as a key factor. The present study was performed with the purpose of determining the correlation between personality traits and dietary habits in female students.

Methods: The present research was conducted as a descriptive-correlational study on 224 female students aged 18-30 years in Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences (2013-2014). Personality traits (neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness) were assessed using NEO Five-Factor Inventory and dietary habits were were assessed by a dietary habits questionnaire containing 20 questions about dietary habits. Data were analyzed using Pearson^'s correlation coefficient and stepwise regression test. The significance level was considered to be p<0.05.

Results: In this study, high neuroticism and openness were correlated with low score of dietary habits (p<0.01). Higher level of conscientiousness was significantly correlated with high score of dietary habits (p<0.01). Based on the stepwise regression analysis, personality traits can predict the score of dietary habits (p<0.01).

Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that neuroticism and openness are correlated with unhealthy dietary habits, and conscientiousness is correlated with healthy dietary habits. Therefore, appropriate nutritional educations based on the personality traits of students are recommended to modify dietary patterns and prevent chronic diseases.