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Behavioural Problems in Preadolescence: Does Nutritional Status Have a Role?
Bushra Khan1, Waqas Hameed2, Bilal Iqbal Avan3
1Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan.
Child: Care, Health and Development
|September 25, 2024
Summary
Undernutrition in preadolescents, including being thin or stunted, significantly increases the risk of internalizing behavioral problems. Co-occurring malnutrition poses an even greater risk, highlighting the link between physical and mental health.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Health
- Public Health
- Mental Health
Background:
- Malnutrition is a global issue affecting children and adolescents, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
- Behavioral problems are a growing concern in child and adolescent mental health.
- Few studies have examined the association between malnutrition and behavioral problems in preadolescence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the epidemiological relationship between malnutrition and behavioral problems in preadolescence.
- To investigate the impact of different types of malnutrition on behavioral issues.
Main Methods:
- A school-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted in Karachi, Pakistan, involving 660 preadolescents aged 11–12 years.
- Data collected through sociodemographic questionnaires, the Youth Self-Report Form (YSR), and anthropometric assessments.
- The Youth Self-Report Form (YSR) is the child and adolescent reported version of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL).
Main Results:
- Thin and stunted preadolescents showed significantly higher odds of internalizing problems (AOR=2.05-2.09).
- Overnutrition was not associated with any behavioral issues.
- 40% of preadolescents exhibited at least one type of malnutrition, with 3% having co-occurring malnutrition (stunted and thin or overweight).
- Co-occurring malnutrition significantly increased the risk of internalizing problems (AOR=2.92), with a greater impact than single forms of malnutrition.
Conclusions:
- Undernutrition is prevalent and significantly associated with internalizing problems in preadolescents.
- This study is the first to report a significant association between co-occurring malnutrition and an increased risk of internalizing problems.
- Highlights the importance of the physical-mental health link and the need for holistic interventions for preadolescents.
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