Perceived stress and eating behavior among pharmacy students at a public university in Mozambique: a cross-sectional study

Academic stress is associated with eating behavior changes, but evidence from sub-Saharan Africa is still limited. This study examined the relationship between perceived stress and eating behavior among pharmacy students in Mozambique. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 40 second- and third-year pharmacy students at Lúrio University between June and July 2025. Perceived stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale and eating behavior under stress was measured using the Salzburg Stress Eating Scale. Spearman’s rank correlation was performed to analyze the relationship between variables. Moderate stress levels predominated (97.5%, n=39). Academic pressure was the most frequently reported stressor. Regarding eating behavior under stress, 42.5% maintained habitual intake, 40.0% reported reduced consumption, and 17.5% reported increased intake. A weak negative correlation was found between perceived stress and eating behavior (95% confidence interval: -0.530 to 0.065; p=0.110), which was not statistically significant. Perceived stress alone may not be a strong predictor of eating behavior changes in this population. Cultural factors and individual coping styles may play important mediating roles among African university students.