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Diet and behavioral problems at school in Norwegian adolescents
1Department of Public Health, Sport and Nutrition, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Norway.
Food & Nutrition Research
|July 5, 2012
Summary
A healthy diet, including regular breakfast and fruit intake, is linked to fewer behavioral problems in Norwegian adolescents. Conversely, high consumption of sweets and sugar-sweetened drinks correlates with increased behavioral issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Long-standing debate on the influence of dietary factors on child and adolescent behavior.
- Growing concern regarding the impact of diet on psychological well-being in young populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the cross-sectional relationship between dietary habits and self-reported school behavioral problems in Norwegian adolescents.
- Investigate specific food item consumption and meal frequency in relation to behavioral outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 475 ninth and tenth graders in southern Norway (77% participation rate).
- Utilized a questionnaire assessing intake of healthy (fruits, vegetables, fish) and unhealthy foods (sweets, sugary drinks, crisps), meal frequency, and school behavioral problems.
- Statistical analysis adjusted for sex and Body Mass Index (BMI).
Main Results:
- Regular breakfast consumption was significantly associated with lower odds of behavioral problems (OR: 0.29).
- High intake of unhealthy foods, including sweets (OR: 2.63) and sugar-sweetened soft drinks (OR: 2.8), correlated with increased odds of behavioral problems.
- Increased fruit intake showed a significant association with decreased odds of behavioral problems (OR: 0.30).
Conclusions:
- An optimal diet and consistent meal patterns are associated with fewer behavioral problems in adolescents.
- Findings highlight the importance of improving dietary intake and meal regularity among Norwegian adolescents.
- The study's cross-sectional design precludes definitive causal interpretations.
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