Associations of nutrition knowledge and dietary habits with stress among university employees in Saudi Arabia: mixed-methods evidence

Objective This study examined the relationships among dietary habits, nutrition knowledge, and stress levels among Saudi university employees, and to explore perceived challenges, barriers, and facilitators of healthy eating in the workplace. Design A mixed-methods design was used, combining an online quantitative survey with virtual semi-structured interviews. Setting The study was conducted across universities in Saudi Arabia, focusing on workplace environments that may influence employees’ dietary behaviors, nutrition knowledge, and stress levels. Participants A total of 232 university employees completed validated measures of nutrition knowledge using the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire, dietary habits using Arabic Food Frequency Questionnaire, and stress using Arabic Stress Overload Scale, with a subsample participating in qualitative interviews to explore workplace-related experiences and barriers to healthy eating. Results Most participants demonstrated medium to high nutrition knowledge (86.2%); however, gaps were identified in applied dietary recommendations and nutrient-specific knowledge. Irregular eating patterns, meal skipping, and low fruit and vegetable intake were significantly associated with higher stress levels ( p < 0.05). Higher nutrition knowledge was positively associated with healthier food choices, more regular meals, and food label reading. Qualitative findings highlighted workplace demands, sociocultural and environmental constraints, the close link between nutrition and mental health, and the importance of access, awareness, and supportive environments. Conclusion Nutrition knowledge is associated with dietary behaviors and stress among Saudi university employees. Workplace-targeted interventions integrating nutrition education, stress management, and organizational support may promote healthier eating, improve mental wellbeing, and enhance self-perceived work performance in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.