1
|
López-Gil JF, Victoria-Montesinos D, García-Hermoso A. Is higher adherence to the mediterranean diet associated with greater academic performance in children and adolescents? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Nutr 2024; 43:1702-1709. [PMID: 38896917 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2024.05.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to synthesize the available evidence from the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and academic performance in children and adolescents. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted, which adhered to the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library) were examined from inception to April 8th, 2024. RESULTS Eighteen studies were included in the current systematic review and sixteen in the meta-analysis. The relationship between adherence to the MedDiet and academic performance among children and adolescents was statistically significant (Pearson's correlation coefficient [r] = 0.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.14 to 0.21, p < 0.001; inconsistency index [I2] = 56.7%). The influence analysis revealed that removing individual studies one at a time did not result in any changes to the overall results (p < 0.05 in all cases). CONCLUSIONS A higher adherence to the MedDiet could play a relevant role in academic performance among children and adolescents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Antonio García-Hermoso
- Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Manzano-Sánchez D, Gutiérrez-Espinoza H, López-Gil JF. Sex-specific associations of muscular fitness with overall academic performance and specific school subjects in adolescents: the EHDLA study. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1396163. [PMID: 39100566 PMCID: PMC11294721 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1396163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Overalll, muscular fitness and academic performance are two variables widely studied in the literature. However, evidence on the relationship between muscular fitness and specific school subjects (e.g., physical education), as well as their differences by sex, is scarce. Objective The aim of this study was to examine the associations between muscular fitness and overall academic performance and between muscular fitness and specific subjects (i.e., language, math, foreign language, and physical education) in a sample of secondary Spanish school students. Methods For the present study, a sample of 766 students (45% boys, aged 12-17 years). From the Eating Healthy and Daily Life Activities (EHDLA) study was used. The Assessing the Levels of Physical Activity and Fitness (ALPHA-FIT) battery was used to determine handgrip strength and lower body muscular strength. The performance of the different school subjects was provided by the school centers. Results Overall, for both boys and girls, higher muscular fitness was associated with greater academic results, with the greatest differences in physical education. However, only significant differences were identified for girls. Discussion and conclusion Global muscular fitness is important for contributing to cognitive development, both in physical education and in the rest of the subjects of the educational curriculum for adolescents. At the same time, although the association appears to follow the same trend for both sexes, the results seem more evident for girls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Manzano-Sánchez
- Department of Didactics of Musical, Plastic and Corporal Expression, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
- Análisis Comportamental de la Actividad Física y el Deporte (ACAFYDE), Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | | | - José Francisco López-Gil
- One Health Research Group, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
- Department of Communication and Education, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, Seville, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sohail SS, Mitchell WB. Nutrition for brain health: Keeping adolescents in MIND. Pediatr Res 2024; 96:19-20. [PMID: 38503979 PMCID: PMC11257947 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03095-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Syeda-Samar Sohail
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - William B Mitchell
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Qin Y, Lu M, Liu L, Li M, Mi B, Zhou J, Xiao Y. The effects of diet quality, eating behavior, and sleep on the academic performance among elementary school students. Ecol Food Nutr 2024:1-17. [PMID: 38909380 DOI: 10.1080/03670244.2024.2371154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
The academic success of children contributes to their income, social status, and public health. This study was conducted with 217 elementary school students from western China. Scores on the Chinese Children Dietary Index (CCDI), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), adjusted DASH, and KIDMED index were calculated to evaluate diet quality. Eating behavior and sleep quality were assessed using the Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ) and Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CHSQ), respectively. Academic achievement was measured using school-provided average grades. Higher CCDI scores, longer sleep time, lower total CHSQ scores, and lower subscores on "satiety responsiveness," "slowness in eating," "emotional undereating," and "food fussiness" dimensions of the CEBQ were associated with high academic achievement. In conclusion, good diet quality, sleep quality, healthy eating behaviors, and adequate sleep duration were associated with better academic performance. Interventions are recommended to be developed in education system to improve healthy diets and lifestyles, enhancing academic achievement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Qin
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mengnan Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lujie Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Baibing Mi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yanfeng Xiao
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Esteban-Cornejo I, Lara-Jimenez I, Rodriguez-Ayllon M, Verdejo-Roman J, Catena A, Erickson KI, Ortega FB. Early morning physical activity is associated with healthier white matter microstructure and happier children: the ActiveBrains project. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 33:833-845. [PMID: 37058244 PMCID: PMC10894097 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02197-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
The background of this study is to examine the associations of individual and combined early morning patterns (i.e., active commuting to school, physical activity before school, having breakfast and good sleep) with white matter microstructure (WMM) and, whether the associated white mater microstructure outcomes were related to mental health outcomes in children with overweight or obesity. 103 children with overweight or obesity (10.0 ± 1.1 years old, 42 girls) from the ActiveBrains project participated in this cross-sectional study. Early morning patterns and mental health indicators (i.e., self-esteem, optimism, positive and negative affect, stress, depression and anxiety) were self-reported by the children using validated questionnaires. WMM was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging using diffusion tensor imaging. When examined independently, early morning patterns were not related with WMM (all P > 0.05). However, the combination of early morning patterns was related with WMM (P < 0.05). Specifically, physically active early morning patterns (i.e., active commuting to school and physical activity before school) were associated with global fractional anisotropy (FA) (β = 0.298, P = 0.013) and global radial diffusivity (RD) (β = - 0.272, P = 0.021), as well as with tract-specific FA (β = 0.314, P = 0.004) and RD (β = - 0.234, P = 0.032) in the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF). Furthermore, combined physically active early morning pattern-associated global (i.e., FA and RD) and tract-specific (i.e., FA and RD in the SLF) WMM indicators were positively associated with happiness (β absolute value range from 0.252 to 0.298, all P < 0.05). A combination of physically active early morning patterns may positively relate to white matter microstructure in children with overweight or obesity, and, in turn, happiness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Esteban-Cornejo
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Carretera de Alfacar s/n, 18071, Granada, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain.
| | - Inmaculada Lara-Jimenez
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Carretera de Alfacar s/n, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Maria Rodriguez-Ayllon
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Juan Verdejo-Roman
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatment, Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Andres Catena
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Kirk I Erickson
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Carretera de Alfacar s/n, 18071, Granada, Spain
- Department of Psychology, Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- AdventHealth Research Institute, Neuroscience, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Francisco B Ortega
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Carretera de Alfacar s/n, 18071, Granada, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyvaskyla, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Peña-Jorquera H, Martínez-Flores R, Espinoza-Puelles JP, López-Gil JF, Ferrari G, Zapata-Lamana R, Lofrano-Prado MC, Landaeta-Díaz L, Cigarroa I, Durán-Agüero S, Cristi-Montero C. Adolescents with a Favorable Mediterranean-Style-Based Pattern Show Higher Cognitive and Academic Achievement: A Cluster Analysis-The Cogni-Action Project. Nutrients 2024; 16:608. [PMID: 38474736 DOI: 10.3390/nu16050608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
A Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has emerged as a crucial dietary choice, not only in attenuating various adolescents' metabolic health issues but it has also been associated with improved cognitive and academic achievement. However, few studies have established patterns of food consumption linked to both cognitive and academic achievement in adolescents living in a developing country with non-Mediterranean-based food. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1296 Chilean adolescents (50% girls) aged 10-14 years. The MedDiet Quality Index was used to assess adherence to the MedDiet in children and adolescents. Through cluster analysis, four distinct dietary patterns were identified: Western diet (WD = 4.3%); low fruit and vegetables, high-sugar diet (LFV-HSD = 28.2%); low fruit and vegetables, low-sugar diet (LFV-LSD = 42.2%); and the MedDiet (25.3%). A mixed-model analysis was conducted to compare these clusters and their relationships with cognitive and academic achievements. Principal component analysis was performed to identify four primary cognitive domains: working memory, cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, and fluid reasoning. Academic achievement was determined with five school subjects (Language, English, Mathematics, Science, and History) and included the Academic-PISA score derived from the mean scores in Language, Mathematics, and Science. Results: A marked difference was observed between the four clusters, which was mainly related to the consumption of sugar, ultra-processed foods, fruits, and vegetables. According to cognitive performance, the MedDiet group showed higher performance across all domains than the LFV-HSD, LFV-LSD, and WD groups. Regarding academic achievement, the WD underperformed in all analyses compared to the other groups, while the MedDiet was the unique profile that achieved a positive difference in all academic subjects compared to the WD and LFV-HSD groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that higher adherence to Mediterranean-style-based patterns and better food quality choices are associated with improved cognitive and academic achievements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Humberto Peña-Jorquera
- IRyS Group, Physical Education School, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2530388, Chile
| | - Ricardo Martínez-Flores
- IRyS Group, Physical Education School, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2530388, Chile
| | - Juan Pablo Espinoza-Puelles
- IRyS Group, Physical Education School, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2530388, Chile
| | | | - Gerson Ferrari
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Av. Pedro de Valdivia 425, Providencia 7500912, Chile
- School of Physical Activity, Sports and Health Sciences, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170022, Chile
| | | | | | - Leslie Landaeta-Díaz
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Universidad de las Américas, Santiago 7500975, Chile
- Core in Environmental and Food Sciences, Universidad de las Américas, Santiago 7500975, Chile
| | - Igor Cigarroa
- School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health, Universidad Santo Tomás, Los Ángeles 4440000, Chile
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Arturo Prat, Victoria 4720000, Chile
| | - Samuel Durán-Agüero
- School of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Care Sciences, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago 8330106, Chile
| | - Carlos Cristi-Montero
- IRyS Group, Physical Education School, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2530388, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Masini A, Dallolio L, Sanmarchi F, Lovecchio F, Falato M, Longobucco Y, Lanari M, Sacchetti R. Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Children and Adolescents and Association with Multiple Outcomes: An Umbrella Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:449. [PMID: 38391824 PMCID: PMC10887852 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12040449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The Mediterranean Diet (MD) has been linked to numerous health benefits. This umbrella review aims to synthesize evidence from systematic reviews on the MD's impact on children and adolescents aged 6 to 19 years. Following Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, we included 11 systematic reviews focusing on the MD's effects on health outcomes, such as asthma, anthropometric measures, physical fitness, and inflammatory markers. The results indicate a protective role of the MD against childhood asthma due to its antioxidant-rich components. However, evidence for its impact on allergic conditions like rhinitis and eczema is inconclusive. Findings regarding anthropometric outcomes, particularly BMI, are limited and inconsistent. A positive correlation was observed between MD adherence and increased physical activity, improved physical fitness, quality of life, and reduced sedentary behavior. Additionally, the MD showed an inverse relationship with pro-inflammatory biomarkers, suggesting anti-inflammatory benefits. The inconsistency in BMI findings and the potential anti-inflammatory properties of the MD warrant further longitudinal research. Future studies should explore the MD's impact on cognitive functions, academic performance, and mental health in this age group, highlighting the significance of establishing healthy eating habits early in life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Masini
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Laura Dallolio
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Sanmarchi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Lovecchio
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Mario Falato
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Yari Longobucco
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Rossella Sacchetti
- Department of Education Studies "Giovanni Maria Bertin", University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zagkos L, Drenos F, Emmett P, Blakemore AI, Nordström T, Hurtig T, Jarvelin MR, Dovey TM. Associations of adolescents' diet and meal patterns with school performance in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986: A Mendelian randomisation study. Appetite 2023; 190:107036. [PMID: 37734238 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.107036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several observational studies indicate that dietary habits in children and adolescents are associated with school performance. These associations are heavily confounded by socio-economic characteristics, such as household income and parents' educational attainment, amongst other factors. The objective of this study was to explore the association between diet and school performance in adolescents from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 (NFBC1986). METHODS Dietary and school performance data were collected using self-reported questionnaires from adolescents in the NFBC1986 cross-sectional, 16-year follow-up study. In this work we derived exploratory factors for the dietary variables, frequency of skipping main meals and school performance variables, performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) against these factors to obtain genetic association data and conducted one-sample and two-sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) analyses using individual level data for up to 9220 adolescents in NFBC1986 and GWAS results from external cohorts. We report observational and MR effects of diet on school performance and cognition-related phenotypes. RESULTS The observational study and the one-sample Mendelian randomisation analysis showed that high fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) consumption was associated with poor school performance in general/science subjects (-0.080, -0.128 to -0.033) and staple food consumption with better school performance in general/science subjects (0.071, 0.024 to 0.119) and physical education (0.065, 0.021 to 0.110). Findings from our two-sample MR analysis identified dietary principal components described best as whole brain bread, wheat, cheese, oat cereal and red wine to be associated with higher educational attainment and other cognition-related phenotypes. CONCLUSION Using genetics, we highlighted the potential role of HFSS food consumption and consumption of the components of a staple food diet for school performance. However, further research is required to find conclusive evidence that could support a causal role of diet on school performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Loukas Zagkos
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, London, UB8 3PH, UK; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, London, W2 1PG, UK.
| | - Fotios Drenos
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, London, UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Pauline Emmett
- Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, 69 St Michael's Hill, Bristol, BS2 8DZ, UK
| | - Alexandra I Blakemore
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, London, UB8 3PH, UK; Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Tanja Nordström
- Northern Finland Birth Cohorts, Infrastructure for Population Studies, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Pentti Kaiteran Katu 1, 90570, Oulu, Finland; Center for Life Course Health Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, PO Box 8000, FI-90014, Oulun Yliopisto, Finland; Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Pentti Kaiteran Katu 1, 90570, Oulu, Finland
| | - Tuula Hurtig
- Research Unit of Clinical Neuroscience and PEDEGO Research Unit, University of Oulu, Finland; Clinic of Child Psychiatry, Oulu University Hospital, 90230, Peltolantie 13-15, 90210, Oulu, Finland
| | - Marjo-Riitta Jarvelin
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, London, UB8 3PH, UK; Center for Life Course Health Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, PO Box 8000, FI-90014, Oulun Yliopisto, Finland; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, London, W2 1PG, UK; Unit of Primary Health Care, Oulu University Hospital, OYS, Kajaanintie 50, 90220, Oulu, Finland
| | - Terence M Dovey
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, London, UB8 3PH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
López-Gil JF, Smith L, Gaya AR, Victoria-Montesinos D, Gutiérrez-Espinoza H, Herrera-Gutiérrez E, García-Hermoso A. The moderating role of recreational substance use in the association of Mediterranean diet with academic performance among adolescents. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10816. [PMID: 37402752 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37529-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
No study has examined the potential moderating role of recreational substance use in the relationship between the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and academic performance. The aim of this study was to test the potential moderating role of recreational substance use (i.e., alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis) in the association of adherence to the MedDiet with academic performance among adolescents. This cross-sectional study included a sample of 757 adolescents (55.6% girls) aged 12-17 years from the Valle de Ricote (Region of Murcia). The Region of Murcia is an autonomous community of Spain located in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula, along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Adherence to the MedDiet was assessed by the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for Children and Teenagers (KIDMED). Recreational substance use (i.e., tobacco, alcohol, cannabis) was self-reported by adolescents. Academic performance was assessed by the school records at the end of the academic year. The relationship between adherence to the MedDiet and academic performance was moderated by both tobacco and alcohol use (for grade point average and all school records). In conclusion, higher adherence to the MedDiet was related to greater academic performance in adolescents, but recreational substance use could moderate this association.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Francisco López-Gil
- Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- One Health Research Group, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Lee Smith
- Centre for Health, Performance and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anelise Reis Gaya
- School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy and Dance, Post-Graduate Program in Human Movement Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | | | - Eva Herrera-Gutiérrez
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Espinardo Campus, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio García-Hermoso
- Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
López-Gil JF, García-Hermoso A, Smith L, Gallego A, Victoria-Montesinos D, Ezzatvar Y, Hershey MS, Gutiérrez-Espinoza H, Mesas AE, Jiménez-López E, Sánchez-Miguel PA, López-Benavente A, Moreno-Galarraga L, Chen S, Brazo-Sayavera J, Fernandez-Montero A, Alcaraz PE, Panisello Royo JM, Tárraga-López PJ, Kales SN. A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of the Archena Infancia Saludable Project on 24-h Movement Behaviors and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet among Schoolchildren: A Pilot Study Protocol. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10040738. [PMID: 37189987 DOI: 10.3390/children10040738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this paper is to describe the protocol of pilot cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) that will evaluate the effects of a lifestyle-based intervention. The Archena Infancia Saludable project will have several objectives. The primary objective of this project is to determine the 6-month effects of a lifestyle-based intervention on adherence to 24-h movement behaviors and Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) in schoolchildren. The secondary objective of this project is to test the intervention effects of this lifestyle-based intervention on a relevant set of health-related outcomes (i.e., anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, perceived physical fitness, sleep habits, and academic performance). The tertiary objective is to investigate this intervention's "halo" effect on parents'/guardians' 24-h movement behaviors and adherence to the MedDiet. Methods: The Archena Infancia Saludable trial will be a cluster RCT submitted to the Clinical Trials Registry. The protocol will be developed according to SPIRIT guidelines for RCTs and CONSORT statement extension for cluster RCTs. A total of 153 eligible parents/guardians with schoolchildren aged 6-13 years will be randomized into an intervention group or a control group. This project focuses on two fundamental pillars: 24-h movement behaviors and MedDiet. It will mainly focus on the relationship between parents/guardians and their children. Behavior change strategies for dietary and 24-h movement behaviors in schoolchildren will be based on healthy lifestyle education for parents/guardians through infographics, video recipes, brief video clips, and videos. Conclusions: Most of the current knowledge on 24-h movement behaviors and adherence to the MedDiet is based on cross-sectional or longitudinal cohort studies, warranting a need to design and conduct RCTs to obtain more robust evidence on the effect of a healthy lifestyle program to increase 24-h movement behaviors and to improve adherence to the MedDiet in schoolchildren.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Francisco López-Gil
- Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA, 31006 Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02138, USA
- One Health Research Group, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170124, Ecuador
| | - Antonio García-Hermoso
- Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA, 31006 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Lee Smith
- Centre for Health, Performance and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK
| | - Alejandra Gallego
- Department of Applied Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Yasmin Ezzatvar
- Department of Nursing, Universitat de València, 46007 Valencia, Spain
| | - Maria S Hershey
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02138, USA
| | | | - Arthur Eumann Mesas
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), 16071 Cuenca, Spain
- Postgraduate Program in Public Health, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Estela Jiménez-López
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), 16071 Cuenca, Spain
| | - Pedro Antonio Sánchez-Miguel
- Grupo Análisis Comportamental de la Actividad Física y el Deporte (ACAFYDE), Departamento de Didáctica de la Expresión Musical, Plástica y Corporal, Facultad de Formación del Profesorado, Universidad de Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
| | - Alba López-Benavente
- Departamento de Expresión Plástica, Musical y Dinámica, Facultad de Educación, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Espinardo, Spain
| | - Laura Moreno-Galarraga
- IdiSNA (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Servicio Navarro de Salud, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sitong Chen
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne 8001, Australia
| | - Javier Brazo-Sayavera
- PDU EFISAL, Centro Universitario Regional Noreste, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Rivera 40000, Uruguay
- Department of Sports and Computer Science, Universidad Pablo de Olavide (UPO), 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Alejandro Fernandez-Montero
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02138, USA
- IdiSNA (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Occupational Medicine, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Pedro Emilio Alcaraz
- Research Center for High Performance Sport, San Antonio Catholic University of Murcia, 30830 Murcia, Spain
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, San Antonio Catholic University of Murcia, 30107 Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Pedro J Tárraga-López
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Stefanos N Kales
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02138, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Diamantis DV, Katsas K, Kalogiannis D, Kouvari M, Linos A. Health-Related Quality of Life in Childhood and Adolescence: The Interrelation with Level of Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Dietary Trajectories: Highlights from the DIATROFI Program (2021-2022). Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15081829. [PMID: 37111048 PMCID: PMC10142042 DOI: 10.3390/nu15081829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Children's dietary habits can have a key role in contributing to an improvement in their Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). This study aims to assess the connection between Mediterranean diet adherence and HRQoL in a sample of Greek students, utilizing data from the DIATROFI program. The parents of 3774 students (mean age 7.8 (2.6) years) reported their children's HRQoL and level of adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern at the beginning and end of the 2021-2022 school year. At baseline, most students' adherence was characterized as moderate (55.2%) or high (25.1%). Students with moderate or high adherence tο the Mediterranean diet were less likely to report a total HRQoL below the median at baseline (OR = 0.56, 95%CI = 0.44, 0.70), along with all its dimensions (physical, emotional, social, and school functions). A one-unit improvement in KIDMED score (beginning-end of schoolyear) was associated with the likelihood of an improvement in total HRQoL (beginning-end of schoolyear) (OR = 1.09, 95%CI = 1.02, 1.17), emotional (OR = 1.09, 95%CI = 1.02, 1.17), and social functions (OR = 1.13, 95%CI = 1.05, 1.22), but not with physical and school functions. The health benefits of the Mediterranean diet in children may not be limited to disease prevention but also extend to their overall wellbeing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios V Diamantis
- Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health PROLEPSIS, 15121 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Katsas
- Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health PROLEPSIS, 15121 Athens, Greece
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Kalogiannis
- Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health PROLEPSIS, 15121 Athens, Greece
| | - Matina Kouvari
- Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health PROLEPSIS, 15121 Athens, Greece
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University, 17676 Athens, Greece
- Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- Functional Foods and Nutrition Research (FFNR) Laboratory, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
| | - Athena Linos
- Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health PROLEPSIS, 15121 Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
López-Gil JF, Martínez-Vizcaíno V, Amaro-Gahete FJ, Medrano M, Pascual-Morena C, Álvarez-Bueno C, Mesas AE. Nut consumption and academic performance among adolescents: the EHDLA study. Eur J Nutr 2023; 62:289-298. [PMID: 35972530 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-022-02985-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between nut consumption and academic performance in Spanish adolescents and to explore the role of sociodemographic, anthropometric, and lifestyle covariates on this association. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out using a food frequency questionnaire for estimating nut consumption in the number of 20-30 g servings per week, and academic performance data were obtained from school records. Analyses of covariance were adjusted for sociodemographic, anthropometric and lifestyle covariates, including total energy intake. RESULTS Among the 846 adolescents included in the analyses (55.3% girls, age range from 12 to 17 years), the mean ± standard deviation consumption of nuts was 2.7 ± 2.8 servings per week, while the mean of all school grades recorded was 6.5 ± 2.0. Furthermore, compared to no consumption, the consumption of ≥ 3 nut servings per week was consistently associated with higher grades in language (p for trend = 0.005), combination of language and math (p for trend = 0.026), grade point average (p for trend = 0.039), and combination of all school records (p for trend = 0.046). These associations were observed regardless of all covariates considered, although sex and socioeconomic level played a significant role in the completely adjusted models. CONCLUSION Nut consumption is associated with higher academic performance in a representative sample of Spanish adolescents. These cross-sectional results should be confirmed in longitudinal and intervention studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Vicente Martínez-Vizcaíno
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain. .,Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, 3460000, Talca, Chile.
| | - Francisco J Amaro-Gahete
- PROFITH "PROmoting FITness and Health through Physical Activity" Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain.,EFFECTS-262 Research Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016, Granada, Spain
| | - María Medrano
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain.,Institute for Innovation and Sustainable Development in Food Chain (IS-FOOD), Public University of Navarra, 31006, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Celia Álvarez-Bueno
- Universidad Politécnica y Artística del Paraguay, 001518, Asunción, Paraguay
| | - Arthur Eumann Mesas
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain.,Postgraduate Program in Public Health, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Tapia-Serrano MA, Sánchez-Miguel PA, Sevil-Serrano J, García-Hermoso A, López-Gil JF. Is adherence to the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines associated with Mediterranean dietary patterns in adolescents? Appetite 2022; 179:106292. [PMID: 36055462 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple health-risk behaviours such as physical inactivity, excessive recreational screen time, and insufficient sleep have been independently and positively associated with poor adherence to the Mediterranean diet in adolescents. However, little is known about the combined association between 24-Hour Movement Guidelines (i.e., physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration) and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to examine whether adolescents who meet all three 24-Hour Movement Guidelines report greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and the different foods that comprise it, compared to those who do not meet the three recommendations. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 1391 Spanish adolescents (13.08 ± 0.85, 44.82% girls), aged 11-16 years, completed self-reported questionnaires on physical activity, recreational screen time, sleep duration and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. A binary logistic regression analysis was used to predict the likelihood of having an optimal adherence to the Mediterranean diet, as well as different food items, according to the meeting of the three 24-Hour Movement Guidelines. Covariates included were age, sex, socioeconomic status, and body mass index (z-score). RESULTS Adolescents who met all three 24-Hour Movement Guidelines obtained higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet than those who did not meet with the three recommendations (β = 1.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.81, 1.85, p < 0.001). In addition, those who met all three 24-Hour Movement Guidelines were more likely to consume a fruit and vegetables once a day, consume fish regularly, and eat cereal or grains for breakfast (all, p < 0.05), and less likely to consume commercially baked goods or pastries for breakfast and to eat sweets and candies several times a day (all, p < 0.001), compared to those who did not comply with the three 24-Hour Movement Guidelines. CONCLUSION Since meeting the three 24-Hour Movement Guidelines seems to be associated with Mediterranean diet eating patterns in adolescents, it seems necessary to promote these movement behaviours from the early stages of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Angel Tapia-Serrano
- Departamento de Didáctica de la Expresión Musical, Plástica y Corporal, Grupo Análisis Comportamental de la Actividad Física y el Deporte (ACAFYDE), Facultad de Formación del Profesorado, Universidad de Extremadura, Av. de la Universidad, s/n, 10004, Cáceres, Spain.
| | - Pedro Antonio Sánchez-Miguel
- Departamento de Didáctica de la Expresión Musical, Plástica y Corporal, Grupo Análisis Comportamental de la Actividad Física y el Deporte (ACAFYDE), Facultad de Formación del Profesorado, Universidad de Extremadura, Av. de la Universidad, s/n, 10004, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Javier Sevil-Serrano
- Departamento de Didáctica de la Expresión Musical, Plástica y Corporal, Grupo Análisis Comportamental de la Actividad Física y el Deporte (ACAFYDE), Facultad de Formación del Profesorado, Universidad de Extremadura, Av. de la Universidad, s/n, 10004, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Antonio García-Hermoso
- Navarrabiomed, Public University of Navarra (UPNA), Health Research Institute of Navarra (IdiSNA), Navarra University Hospital, Pamplona, Spain
| | - José Francisco López-Gil
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), 16071, Cuenca, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Marinoni M, Giordani E, Mosconi C, Rosolen V, Concina F, Fiori F, Carletti C, Knowles A, Pani P, Bin M, Ronfani L, Ferraroni M, Barbone F, Parpinel M, Edefonti V. Are Dietary Patterns Related to Cognitive Performance in 7-Year-Old Children? Evidence from a Birth Cohort in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14194168. [PMID: 36235820 PMCID: PMC9571625 DOI: 10.3390/nu14194168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Research from different sources supports a link between nutrition and neurodevelopment, but evidence is still sparse regarding the relationship between a posteriori dietary patterns (DPs) and cognitive performance in school-aged children. Within the Northern Adriatic Cohort II, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy, 379 7-year-old children were cross-sectionally evaluated. Dietary patterns were identified through a principal component factor analysis based on 37 nutrients from children’s 3-day dietary records. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale of Children (WISC-IV) test provided measures of cognitive performance, including the full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) and single index scores. Each DP was related to FSIQ or single index scores through multiple robust linear regression models. We identified five DPs named “Dairy Products”, “Plant-based Foods”, “Fats”, “Meat and Potatoes”, and “Seafood” (63% of variance explained). After adjustment, no significant relationship was observed with the FSIQ score; positive associations were found between the “Seafood” DP and Verbal Comprehension Index or Perceptual Reasoning Index. The “Meat and Potatoes” and “Dairy Products” DPs were inversely associated with the Verbal Comprehension Index and Processing Speed Index scores, respectively. In the absence of a relation with the overall FSIQ score, single DPs might influence specific cognitive functions, including verbal and reasoning abilities, as targeted by single indexes, in the expected direction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michela Marinoni
- Department of Medicine—DAME, University of Udine, Via Colugna 50, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0432-559601
| | - Elisa Giordani
- Department of Medicine—DAME, University of Udine, Via Colugna 50, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Cedric Mosconi
- Branch of Medical Statistics, Biometry, and Epidemiology “G.A. Maccacaro”, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 22, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Rosolen
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Via dell’Istria 65/1, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Federica Concina
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Via dell’Istria 65/1, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Federica Fiori
- Department of Medicine—DAME, University of Udine, Via Colugna 50, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Claudia Carletti
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Via dell’Istria 65/1, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandra Knowles
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Via dell’Istria 65/1, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Paola Pani
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Via dell’Istria 65/1, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Maura Bin
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Via dell’Istria 65/1, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Luca Ronfani
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Via dell’Istria 65/1, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Monica Ferraroni
- Branch of Medical Statistics, Biometry, and Epidemiology “G.A. Maccacaro”, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 22, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Barbone
- Department of Medicine—DAME, University of Udine, Via Colugna 50, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Institute of Hygiene and Clinical Epidemiology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale, Via Colugna 50, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Maria Parpinel
- Department of Medicine—DAME, University of Udine, Via Colugna 50, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Valeria Edefonti
- Branch of Medical Statistics, Biometry, and Epidemiology “G.A. Maccacaro”, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 22, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Anthropometric, Lifestyle Characteristics, Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, and COVID-19 Have a High Impact on the Greek Adolescents’ Health-Related Quality of Life. Foods 2022; 11:foods11182726. [PMID: 36140853 PMCID: PMC9497909 DOI: 10.3390/foods11182726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The study aimed at analyzing the relationship between anthropometric characteristics, lifestyle, and dietary habits, as well as the burden of the pandemic on the health-related quality of life among Greek pupils. Research methods and procedures: On the whole, 2088 adolescents aged 12–18 years from Attica, Greece, were enlisted in this school-based cross-sectional study that took place in May–December 2021. Health-related quality of life was estimated through the KIDSCREEN-27 questionnaire, adherence to the Mediterranean diet—through the KIDMED test. For the empirical and econometric analyses, the Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis means comparison tests were utilized; multiple linear regression was used accordingly. Results: The present study provides evidence to the fact that boys, younger adolescents, adolescents living with both parents and with highly educated mothers had a better health-related quality of life. Concerning their eating practices, positive predictors were consuming a better-quality breakfast, having all five meals daily, consuming lunch and dinner with parents, and higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Moreover, sufficient night sleep time, fewer hours spent on screen viewing, more frequent walks, and having hobbies were linked to the health-related quality of life with a positive sign. In contrast, negative predictors were higher body mass index and everyday life difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Conclusions: Greek adolescents’ anthropometric characteristics, BMI, lifestyle and sedentary habits, eating habits, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet were significantly related to their perceived health-related quality of life during the pandemic.
Collapse
|
16
|
Lee JE, Walton D, O’Connor CP, Wammes M, Burton JP, Osuch EA. Drugs, Guts, Brains, but Not Rock and Roll: The Need to Consider the Role of Gut Microbiota in Contemporary Mental Health and Wellness of Emerging Adults. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126643. [PMID: 35743087 PMCID: PMC9223871 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging adulthood (ages 18–25) is a critical period for neurobiological development and the maturation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Recent findings also suggest that a natural perturbation of the gut microbiota (GM), combined with other factors, may create a unique vulnerability during this period of life. The GM of emerging adults is thought to be simpler, less diverse, and more unstable than either younger or older people. We postulate that this plasticity in the GM suggests a role in the rising mental health issues seen in westernized societies today via the gut–brain–microbiota axis. Studies have paid particular attention to the diversity of the microbiota, the specific function and abundance of bacteria, and the production of metabolites. In this narrative review, we focus specifically on diet, physical activity/exercise, substance use, and sleep in the context of the emerging adult. We propose that this is a crucial period for establishing a stable and more resilient microbiome for optimal health into adulthood. Recommendations will be made about future research into possible behavioral adjustments that may be beneficial to endorse during this critical period to reduce the probability of a “dysbiotic” GM and the emergence and severity of mental health concerns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ju Eun Lee
- London Health Science Centre—Victoria Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, B8-102, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada;
| | - David Walton
- Rm. EC1443 School of Physical Therapy, 1201 Western Rd., London, ON N6G 1H1, Canada;
| | - Colleen P. O’Connor
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Brescia University College, London, ON N6G 1H2, Canada;
| | - Michael Wammes
- London Health Sciences Centre, Department of Psychiatry, Lawson Health Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 860 Richmond Street, FEMAP, London, ON N6A 3H8, Canada;
| | - Jeremy P. Burton
- Departments of Surgery, Microbiology and Immunology, Lawson Health Research Institute, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada;
| | - Elizabeth A. Osuch
- London Health Sciences Centre, Department of Psychiatry, Lawson Health Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 860 Richmond Street, FEMAP, London, ON N6A 3H8, Canada;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +519-646-6000 (ext. 65188)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
López-Gil JF. The Eating Healthy and Daily Life Activities (EHDLA) Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:370. [PMID: 35327742 PMCID: PMC8947596 DOI: 10.3390/children9030370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood obesity is one of the greatest public health concerns facing advanced societies, Spain being one of the countries with the highest incidence. In this sense, the Region of Murcia has been pointed out as the Spanish autonomous community with the highest prevalence of excess weight among young people. More specifically, the Valle de Ricote has shown an even greater proportion of excess weight among young people. Several sociodemographic, environmental, lifestyle, health-related, cognitive, and psychological factors are related to excess weight. Based on the lack of information, this research project will try to provide relevant information to design intervention programs, as well as to implement effective public policies to try and reverse this alarming situation. Therefore, this research project aims (1) to obtain cross-sectional and longitudinal data on the excess weight and their potential sociodemographic, environmental, lifestyle, health-related, cognitive, and psychological factors associated among adolescents from the Valle de Ricote (Region of Murcia, Spain) (aged 12-17 years), and (2) to examine the association between excess weight and their potential sociodemographic, environmental, lifestyle, health-related, cognitive, and psychological factors associated among this population. METHODS A cross-sectional study and follow-up study will be performed. This research project will involve adolescents using a simple random sampling technique. A total of three secondary schools from the Valle de Ricote (Region of Murcia, Spain) will be included in this project. The minimum sample size will be 1138, establishing a 95% confidence interval, a 40% prevalence of excess weight, a 3% margin of error, and a non-response rate of 10%. Primary outcome measures will be: (1) anthropometric measurements, (2) sociodemographic factors, (3) environmental factors, (4) lifestyle factors, (5) health-related factors, (6) cognitive factors, and (7) psychological factors. CONCLUSION This research project will aim to determine the prevalence of excess weight and interrelate their potential sociodemographic, environmental, lifestyle, health-related, cognitive, and psychological factors associated. The obtained results will help to manage and propose possible multidisciplinary interventions and strategies in order to prevent and reduce the excess weight in adolescents from the Valle de Ricote. Furthermore, orientations will be given to transfer the obtained results to the public sector to evaluate or change the adopted policies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Francisco López-Gil
- Departamento de Expresión Plástica, Musical y Dinámica, Facultad de Educación, Universidad de Murcia (UM), 30100 Murcia, Spain;
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), 16071 Cuenca, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
López-Gil JF, Mesas AE, Álvarez-Bueno C, Pascual-Morena C, Saz-Lara A, Cavero-Redondo I. Association Between Eating Habits and Perceived School Performance: A Cross-Sectional Study Among 46,455 Adolescents From 42 Countries. Front Nutr 2022; 9:797415. [PMID: 35187033 PMCID: PMC8852839 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.797415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study analyzed the association between selected self-reported eating habits and perceived school performance in adolescents by gender. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis was conducted with data from a large representative sample of adolescents from 42 different countries. Participants answered questions about their weekly frequency of fruit, vegetable, sweets, and soft drink consumption, as well as the frequency of breakfast consumption and family meals. The adolescents subjectively rated their school performance compared to that of their classmates. Logistic regression models were adjusted for region, age, body mass index (z-score), socioeconomic status, physical activity, recreational screen time, and sleep difficulties. RESULTS Among the 46,455 (53.5% female, mean age of 13.7 ± 1.6 years) adolescents studied, 20.6% of males and 25.5% of females reported high perceived school performance. In the results of the fully adjusted analyses, the higher the frequency of all healthy eating habits studied, the higher the perceived school performance in both males and females. Specifically, both males and females reporting a higher frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption, a lower frequency of sweets and soft drink consumption, more frequent breakfast consumption, and more frequent family meals (breakfast and dinner) were more likely to perceive their school performance as higher compared to their classmates. In addition, having breakfast regularly on weekends and the frequency of family dinner were associated with better school performance in both males and females. CONCLUSIONS In summary, this study provide cross-sectional evidence on the association between healthy eating habits and perceived school performance. Considering that school performance is an indicator of healthy development in adolescence, our findings reinforce and extend the evidence on the importance of healthy eating at this stage of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Arthur Eumann Mesas
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain
- Postgraduate Program in Public Health, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Celia Álvarez-Bueno
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain
| | | | - Alicia Saz-Lara
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain
| | - Iván Cavero-Redondo
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain
- Rehabilitation in Health Research Center (CIRES), Universidad de las Américas, Santiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hernandez DC, Daundasekara SS, Walton QL, Eigege CY, Marshall AN. Feasibility of Delivering an on-Campus Food Distribution Program in a Community College Setting: A Mixed Methods Sequential Explanatory Investigation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:12106. [PMID: 34831861 PMCID: PMC8619067 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182212106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite community college students experiencing food insecurity there has been a dearth of research conducted on the feasibility of providing a program designed to increase access to fruits and vegetables among community colleges. This study used a mixed methods sequential explanatory design to examine the feasibility of delivering an on-campus food distribution program (FDP) to community college students and to examine the association between FDP and food insecurity and dietary intake. The study also explored the student's experiences related to barriers and facilitators of program utilization. In phase one, the FDP occurred for eight months and students could attend twice per month, receiving up to 60 pounds of food per visit. Online questionnaires were used to collect students' food security and dietary intake. Among the 1000 students offered the FDP, 495 students enrolled, with 329 students (66.5%) attending ≥ 1. Average attendance = 3.27 (SD = 3.08) [Range = 1-16] distributions. The FDP did not reduce food insecurity nor improve dietary intake. In phase two, a subsample of students (n = 36) discussed their FDP experiences through focus groups revealing three barriers limiting program utilization: program design and organization, personal schedule and transportation, and program abuse by other attendees. Facilitators to greater program utilization included: the type of food distributed and welcoming environment, along with allowing another designated individual to collect food. To maximize program use, it is suggested that reported barriers be addressed, which might positively influence food insecurity and dietary intake.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daphne C. Hernandez
- Cizik School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (S.S.D.); (A.N.M.)
| | - Sajeevika S. Daundasekara
- Cizik School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (S.S.D.); (A.N.M.)
| | - Quenette L. Walton
- Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77004, USA; (Q.L.W.); (C.Y.E.)
| | - Chinyere Y. Eigege
- Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77004, USA; (Q.L.W.); (C.Y.E.)
| | - Allison N. Marshall
- Cizik School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (S.S.D.); (A.N.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Caamaño-Navarrete F, Latorre-Román PÁ, Párraga-Montilla J, Jerez-Mayorga D, Delgado-Floody P. Selective Attention and Concentration Are Related to Lifestyle in Chilean Schoolchildren. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8100856. [PMID: 34682121 PMCID: PMC8534889 DOI: 10.3390/children8100856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this investigation was to determine the association between selective attention and concentration with physical fitness (i.e., cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), V˙O2max, the standing long jump test (SLJ) and handgrip muscle strength (HGS)), lifestyle parameters (i.e., physical activity (PA) level, screen time (ST), sleep duration and food habits) and anthropometric measures (i.e., body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC)) among Chilean schoolchildren. Two hundred and forty-eight schoolchildren (137 boys, 111 girls, 11.80 ± 1.17 and 11.58 ± 1.09 years, respectively) participated. Selective attention, concentration and lifestyle (PA, ST, sleep duration and Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence) were determined using a standard questionnaire. CRF, SLJ, HGS and anthropometric indicators (BMI and WC) were also measured. Selective attention showed a positive association with MD adherence score (β; 5.012, p = p < 0.05). Concentration was linked inversely to ST (β; −5.498, p = p < 0.05). Likewise, concentration presented a positive association with MD adherence (β; 2.904, p = p < 0.05). In conclusion, children’s lifestyles are related to the selective attention and concentration of children; therefore, promoting healthy habits could be a cost-effective strategy in the promotion of cognitive development, as it relates to selective attention and concentration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Pedro Ángel Latorre-Román
- Department of Didactics of Music, Plastic and Corporal Expression, University of Jaen, 27301 Jaen, Spain; (P.Á.L.-R.); (J.P.-M.)
| | - Juan Párraga-Montilla
- Department of Didactics of Music, Plastic and Corporal Expression, University of Jaen, 27301 Jaen, Spain; (P.Á.L.-R.); (J.P.-M.)
| | - Daniel Jerez-Mayorga
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 7591538, Chile;
| | - Pedro Delgado-Floody
- Department of Physical Education, Sport and Recreation, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-45-2-325200
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Adherence to 24-Hour Movement Guidelines among Spanish Adolescents: Differences between Boys and Girls. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8020095. [PMID: 33535696 PMCID: PMC7912944 DOI: 10.3390/children8020095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background: The 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for adolescents recommend ≥60 min/day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA), ≤ 2 h/day of screen time, and 8–10 h/day of sleep. Since little information is available on the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines in Spanish adolescents, this study aims to estimate the proportion of Spanish adolescents meeting individual and combinations of these 24-Hour Movement Guidelines. Moreover, another aim of this study is to examine gender differences in compliance with 24-Hour Movement Guidelines. Methods: A final sample of 1465 Spanish adolescents (44.50% girls; 13.08 ± 0.86) participated in this cross-sectional study. The 24-Hour Movement Guidelines were measured during weekdays and the weekend days by self-reported questionnaires. Results: Although most adolescents met sleep duration guidelines (81.3%), only 38% and 15.8% met physical activity and screen time guidelines, respectively. Only 5.4% of these adolescents met all three 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, whereas 10.2% of this sample did not meet any of these guidelines. Although boys reported greater compliance with physical activity recommendations and girls with screen time recommendations, no significant gender differences were found in the compliance of all three 24-Hour Movement Guidelines. Conclusion: Given that 94.4% of Spanish adolescents did not meet 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, promoting all these three movement behaviours in both boys and girls is an urgent public health priority.
Collapse
|