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Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

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Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research Article

Dietary behaviour, psychological well-being and mental distress among adolescents in Korea

Authors: Seo Ah Hong, Karl Peltzer

Published in: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Background

Dietary intake is important for physical and mental health. The aim of this investigation was to assess associations between dietary behaviours and psychological well-being and distress among school-going adolescents in Korea.

Methods

In a cross-sectional nationally representative survey, 65,212 students (Mean age = 15.1 years, SE = 0.02 and 52.2% male and 47.8% female) responded to a questionnaire that included measures of dietary behaviour, psychological well-being and mental distress.

Results

In logistic regression analyses, adjusted for age, sex, socioeconomic status, school level, school types, Body Mass Index, physical activity, and substance use, positive dietary behaviours (regular breakfast, fruit, vegetable, and milk consumption) were positively and unhealthy dietary behaviours (intake of caffeine, soft drinks, sweet drinks and fast food consumption) were negatively associated with self-reported health, happiness and sleep satisfaction. Positive dietary behaviours (regular breakfast, fruit, vegetable, and milk consumption) were negatively associated with perceived stress and depression symptoms. Unhealthy dietary behaviours (consumption of fast food, caffeine, sweetened drinks and soft drinks) were associated with perceived stress and depression symptoms.

Conclusions

The study found strong cross-sectional evidence that healthy dietary behaviours were associated with lower mental distress and higher psychological well-being. It remains unclear, if a healthier dietary behaviour is the cause or the sequela of a more positive well-being.

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Title: Dietary behaviour, psychological well-being and mental distress among adolescents in Korea
Authors: Seo Ah Hong
Karl Peltzer
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1753-2000
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-017-0194-z

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Dietary behaviour, psychological well-being and mental distress among adolescents in Korea

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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