THE INFLUENCE OF DIETARY PATTERNS ON PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS IN INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Abstract

Aim. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the effect of acculturative stress on nutritional status and autonomic regulation in international students from different ethnocultural groups. Materials and methods. This dynamic study included male students from India (n = 18), Turkmenistan (n = 22), China (n = 19), and Russia (control group, n = 21). Examinations were conducted twice, with a nine-month interval (t₀ and t₁). The assessment included the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), an author-developed Food Stress Questionnaire, anthropometry, bioimpedance analysis, and heart rate variability analysis. Data were analyzed using parametric and non-parametric statistical methods. Results. The study demonstrated significant intergroup differences in adaptation dynamics. Indian students showed the greatest decrease in traditional food intake (Δ = –13.7 arb. units, p < 0.01), high food-related stress, reduced body and lean mass (p < 0.001), and marked autonomic imbalance (increased LF/HF, decreased RMSSD, p < 0.001), indicating adaptation decompensation. Turkmen students successfully adapted their diet, gaining fat mass (Δ +2.8 %, p < 0.001) with moderate regulatory strain (increased stress index, p < 0.01). Chinese students demonstrated significant dietary changes (Δ –16.2 arb. units, p < 0.001) and reduced HRV (SDNN, p < 0.01). No changes occurred in the control group. Conclusions. Dietary adaptation is ethnicity-specific and is associated with risks of both protein-energy malnutrition and metabolic disorders. HRV parameters are objective markers of adaptive stress.