minimal data set.

When students begin their academic life, they are subject to psychological, environmental, and economic changes, which may have implications for their dietary habits. This study aims to assess the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean food pattern (MFP), nutritional status, and food self-efficacy among a sample of higher education students in Portugal. This cross-sectional study was conducted between May and June 2023, through an online questionnaire. A total of 114 students from public and private higher education participated in this study, predominantly female (68.7%) with a median age of 23 (20; 27) years. It was found that higher body mass index (BMI), older age (p > 0.003; r: 0.273), and greater adherence to the MFP were associated with higher food self-efficacy (p > 0.003; r: 0.273). No correlations were found between the other variables. When feeling stressed, students tend to consume more sweets, fast food, and fewer fruits and vegetables. Based on the correlations between BMI, adherence to the MFP, perceived stress, and food self-efficacy, it can be concluded that higher BMI, older age, and greater adherence to the MFP are associated with higher food self-efficacy. These results can be explored for future dietary interventions in this population group.

当学生开启学术生涯时，会面临心理、环境与经济层面的多重变化，这些变化可能对其饮食习惯产生影响。本研究旨在评估葡萄牙高等教育学生样本中，地中海饮食模式（Mediterranean Food Pattern，MFP）依从性、营养状况与饮食自我效能感之间的关联。本项横断面研究于2023年5月至6月期间通过在线问卷的方式开展。本次研究共纳入114名来自公立与私立高等教育机构的学生，其中女性占比68.7%，年龄中位数为23岁（四分位间距：20~27岁）。研究结果显示，较高的体重指数（Body Mass Index，BMI）、较年长的年龄以及更高的MFP依从性，均与更高的饮食自我效能感显著相关（p>0.003；r=0.273）。其余变量之间未发现显著相关性。当学生感受到压力时，往往会摄入更多甜食与快餐，而水果和蔬菜的摄入量则会减少。基于体重指数、MFP依从性、感知压力与饮食自我效能感之间的相关性分析，本研究可得出结论：较高的体重指数、较年长的年龄以及更高的MFP依从性，均与更高的饮食自我效能感存在关联。上述研究结果可为该群体未来开展饮食干预措施提供参考依据。