Cross-sectional study on the impact of living alone versus living with family on dietary habits, loneliness, and mindful eating in men

This study aimed to examine the relationships among nutritional habits, depression levels, and mindful eating in men living alone versus those living with their families. A total of 300 men aged 25–40 years participated, with 150 living alone and 150 residing with their families. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and Google Forms, assessing demographic characteristics, health status, nutritional habits, loneliness, depression, and mindful eating. The instruments employed were the UCLA Loneliness Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Healthy Eating Attitude Scale (SBİTÖ), and Mindful Eating Scale (YFÖ). Findings revealed that men living alone exhibited significantly higher depression and loneliness scores (p < 0.001) compared to their counterparts living with families. Moreover, increased loneliness was associated with a decrease in mindful eating (p < 0.001). In addition, men living alone reported lower frequencies of yogurt, fish, and vegetable consumption, alongside higher consumption of snacks, processed foods, and fast food (p = 0.002). Significant differences were also observed in regular fish consumption, meal skipping (p < 0.001), and alcohol consumption (p = 0.043). A multiple linear regression analysis investigating the impact of the scale scores on mindful eating indicated that the overall model was statistically significant (F = 43.762; p < 0.001). Specifically, the UCLA Loneliness Scale (t = 11.450, p < 0.001, 95% CI: –0.029 to – 0.015), Healthy Eating Attitude (t = 2.478, p < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.025 to 0.054), and Beck Depression Inventory (t = –1.724, p = 0.046, 95% CI: 0.001 to 0.009) emerged as significant predictors. In conclusion, men living alone demonstrated higher levels of depression and loneliness, which negatively impacted mindful eating, and a generally less favorable nutritional profile, underscoring the importance of family support in promoting healthy eating habits. Keywords: Loneliness, depression, dietary habits, eating mindfulness, family support, single-living adults