Eating patterns and mental health problems in early adolescence – a cross-sectional study of 12–13-year-old Norwegian schoolchildren

To investigate the association between eating patterns and mental health problems in young Norwegian adolescents (12-13 years of age). Cross-sectional study. Dietary information was reported by parents using a retrospective FFQ. Eating patterns were identified using principal component analysis. The...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Public health nutrition 2014-11, Vol.17 (11), p.2554-2562
Main Authors: Oellingrath, Inger M, Svendsen, Martin V, Hestetun, Ingebjørg
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adolescent Behavior
Body Mass Index
Child
Child Behavior
Cross-Sectional Studies
Diet
Eating behavior
European Continental Ancestry Group
Fast Foods
Feeding Behavior
Female
History, Ancient
Humans
Logistic Models
Male
Malnutrition - epidemiology
Meals
Mental disorders
Mental Disorders - epidemiology
Mental Health
Motor Activity
Norway - epidemiology
Nutrition and Health
Parents
Principal Component Analysis
Retrospective Studies
Schools
Sedentary Lifestyle
Socioeconomic Factors
Surveys and Questionnaires
Teenagers
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Summary:To investigate the association between eating patterns and mental health problems in young Norwegian adolescents (12-13 years of age). Cross-sectional study. Dietary information was reported by parents using a retrospective FFQ. Eating patterns were identified using principal component analysis. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was used to measure mental health problems. The association between eating patterns and mental health problems was examined using multiple logistic regression analysis. Primary schools, Telemark County, Norway. Children (n 1095) aged 12-13 years and their parents. Children with high scores on a 'varied Norwegian' eating pattern were less likely to have indications of any psychiatric disorders (adjusted OR = 0·5; 95 % CI 0·3, 1·0) and hyperactivity-inattention disorders (adjusted OR = 0·4; 95 % CI 0·2, 0·8) than children with low scores on this pattern. Children with high scores on a 'junk/convenient' eating pattern were more likely to have indications of hyperactivity-inattention disorders (adjusted OR = 3·4; 95 % CI 1·3, 8·6) than children with low scores on this pattern. Children with high scores on a 'snacking' eating pattern were more likely to have indications of conduct/oppositional disorders (adjusted OR = 3·8; 95 % CI 1·2, 11·5) than those with low scores on this eating pattern. We identified a significant association between eating patterns and mental health problems in young adolescents, independently of physical activity, sedentary activity and background variables. A diverse diet rich in unrefined plant foods, fish and regular meals was associated with better mental health, while energy-dense, nutrient-poor diets and irregular meals were associated with poorer mental health.
ISSN:1368-9800
1475-2727
DOI:10.1017/S1368980013002747