Cross-sectional associations of schoolchildren’s fruit and vegetable consumption, and meal choices, with their mental well-being: a cross-sectional study
Open Access
- 27 September 2021
- journal article
- research article
- Published by BMJ in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health
- Vol. 4 (2), 447-462
- https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjnph-2020-000205
Abstract
Background Poor mental well-being is a major issue for young people and is likely to have long-term negative consequences. The contribution of nutrition is underexplored. We, therefore, investigated the association between dietary choices and mental well-being among schoolchildren. Methods Data from 7570 secondary school and 1253 primary school children in the Norfolk Children and Young People Health and Well-being Survey, open to all Norfolk schools during October 2017, were analysed. Multivariable linear regression was used to measure the association between nutritional factors and mental well-being assessed by the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale for secondary school pupils, or the Stirling Children’s Well-being Scale for primary school pupils. We adjusted all analyses for important covariates including demographic, health variables, living/home situation and adverse experience variables. Results In secondary school analyses, a strong association between nutritional variables and well-being scores was apparent. Higher combined fruit and vegetable consumption was significantly associated with higher well-being: well-being scores were 3.73 (95% CI 2.94 to 4.53) units higher in those consuming five or more fruits and vegetables (pConclusion These findings suggest that public health strategies to optimise the mental well-being of children should include promotion of good nutrition.Funding Information
- Norfolk County Council ((internal award))
- Norfolk Safeguarding Children Board ((internal award))
- UEA Health and Social Care Partners ((internal award))
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