The association of self-reported sleep, weight status, and academic performance in fifth-grade students

Association between excessive screen time and school-level proportion of no family rules among elementary school children in Japan: a multilevel analysis

BACKGROUND

Excessive screen time (ST) in children is a global concern. We assessed the association between individual- and school-level factors and excessive ST in Japanese children using a multilevel analysis.

METHODS

A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Toyama, Japan in 2018. From 110 elementary schools in Toyama Prefecture, 13,413 children in the 4th-6th grades (boys, 50.9%; mean, 10.5 years old) participated. We assessed lifestyle, recreational ST (not for study use), psychological status, and school and family environment including family rules. We defined ≥3 hours ST as excessive. We calculated the school-level proportions of no family rules and divided them into four categories (<20%, 20% to <30%, 30% to <40%, and ≥40%). A modified multilevel Poisson regression analysis was performed.

RESULTS

In total, 12,611 children were included in the analysis (94.0%). The average school-level proportion of those with no family rules was 32.1% (SD = 9.6). The prevalence of excessive ST was 29.9% (34.9% in boys; 24.8% in girls). The regression analysis showed that excessive ST was significantly associated with both individual-level factors, such as boys (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR); 1.39), older grades (aPR; 1.18 for 5th grades and 1.28 for 6th grades), late wakeup (aPR; 1.13), physical inactivity (aPR; 1.18 for not so much and 1.31 for rarely), late bedtime (aPR; 1.43 for 10 to 11 p.m. and 1.76 for ≥11 p.m.), frequent irritability (aPR; 1.24 for sometimes and 1.46 for often), feelings of school avoidance (aPR; 1.17 for sometimes and 1.22 for often), infrequent child-parental interaction (aPR; 1.16 for rare and 1.21 for none), no family rules (aPR; 1.56), smartphone ownership (aPR; 1.18), and the school-level proportion of no family rules (aPR; 1.20 for 20% to <30%, 1.29 for 30% to <40%, and 1.43 for ≥40%, setting <20% as reference).

CONCLUSION

Besides individual factors, a higher school-level proportion of no family rules seemed influential on excessive ST. Increasing the number of households with family rules and addressing individual factors, could be deterrents against excessive ST in children.

Body Mass Index Trends before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Primary School Students in Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia: A Retrospective Study

Within the last decade, childhood obesity has become a serious problem, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research paper aimed to examine whether body mass index (BMI) was higher during the pandemic (2020-2022) than in the pre-pandemic period (2012/2013-2019) using trends related to sex, urban-rural area, and physical activity (PA). This study included data from physical examinations of an entire population of primary school children from Split-Dalmatia County (Croatia) over a period of 10 years. There were 103,804 students from the first, fifth, and eighth grades who participated in the analysis. During the pandemic, the BMI of all the students increased, except for eighth-grade girls. Generations of eighth graders have had significantly different BMIs throughout the past decade. We found that first graders were overweight and obese in urban areas, while in rural areas, this problem was experienced by upper grades. Girls were more overweight and obese in the first and eighth grades, but boys experienced this more in the fifth grade. Reduced PA influenced an increase in BMI in both sexes, especially in girls. During the pandemic, this situation became worse. This study could be useful to experts for the creation of new policies for Split-Dalmatia County and surrounding regions that are similar economically and culturally.

Determinants of good academic performance among university students in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Education plays a pivotal role in producing qualified human power that accelerates economic development and solves the real problems of a community. Students are also expected to spend much of their time on their education and need to graduate with good academic results. However, the trend of graduating students is not proportional to the trend of enrolled students and an increasing number of students commit readmission, suggesting that they did not perform well in their academics. Thus, the study aimed to identify the determinants of academic performance among university students in Southern Ethiopia.

METHOD

Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 1 to 28, 2020. A total of 659 students were enrolled and data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. A multistage sampling technique was applied to select study participants. Data were cleaned and entered into Epi-Data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 software for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable data analysis were computed and a p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Smoking, age, and field of study were significantly associated with academic performance.

RESULT

Four hundred six (66%) of students had a good academic performance. Students aged between 20 and 24 years (AOR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.22-0.91), and medical/ health faculty (AOR = 2.46, 95% CI = 1.45-4.20) were significant associates of good academic performance. Students who didn't smoke cigarettes were three times more likely to score good academic grades compared to those who smoke (AOR = 3.15, 95% CI = 1.21-7.30).

CONCLUSION

In this study, increased odds of good academic performance were observed among students reported to be non-smokers, adults, and medical/health science students. Reduction or discontinuation of smoking is of high importance for good academic achievement among these target groups. The academic environment in the class may be improved if older students are invited to share their views and particularly their ways of reasoning.

Predictors of Academic Performance in High School Students: The Longitudinal ASAP Study

Academic performance is influenced by multitude factors. However, little is known about their relative importance and how they evolve over time. The purpose of the present study was to determine the relative importance of cognitive control, physical, psychological and sociological factors as well as lifestyle habits in predicting academic performance in high school students using cross sectional and longitudinal approaches. One hundred and eighty-five grade seventh to ninth students (mean age: 13.1 ± 1.0 years old) from a single high school completed a 3-year prospective study. Academic performance, cognitive control, physical, psychological and sociological factors as well as lifestyle habits were assessed every year during the 3-year study. Results showed that different combinations of factors were found to predict academic performance measures in both male and female students at baseline and after a 3-year period. For example, in female students, screen time and VO₂ max were found to be important predictors of academic performance, whereas working memory was the only recurring factor in predicting academic performance in male students. Moreover, our models were able to explain between 6.1 to 52.2% of the variation in the change of the different measures of academic performance. Results of the present study show that academic performance may be predicted by a wide range of multiple factors in high school students. Indeed, the factors that predicted academic performance varied between school subjects, sex and study design, highlighting the complexity of predicting academic performance in high school students.

Association between food patterns and difficulties in falling asleep among adolescents in Norway — a descriptive Young-Hunt3 study

Aim

Adolescents’ sleep duration has decreased over the past century; this is mainly caused by problems with falling asleep. Short sleep duration, poor sleep quality, and later bedtimes, in addition to difficulties in falling asleep, are further associated with adolescents’ increased food intake, poor diet quality, and excess body weight. Obesity has become a major health worldwide problem, with increasing prevalence among several age groups. In addition, higher body mass index is one of the most consistently reported correlates of short sleep duration. The aim of this study was to study if short sleep duration, connected with problems falling asleep, is associated with obesity and weight gain among Norwegian adolescents.

Subject and methods

This is a cross-sectional study using data from the Young-HUNT3 cohort study, which comprises the adolescent part of HUNT3. Young-HUNT3 includes data on 8217 participants aged 13 to 20 years old. Cluster analysis were used to categorize patterns of similarities in food consumption. Bivariate analyses were conducted to explore associations between difficulties in falling asleep and unhealthy food patterns.

Results

The analyses found statistically significant differences (< 0.001) between adolescents having an unhealthy food pattern, higher BMIs, and more difficulties with falling asleep than adolescents with a healthy food pattern.

Conclusion

This study shows that an unhealthy food pattern is associated with shorter sleep duration among Norwegian adolescents. Health promotion educational interventions focusing on disseminating knowledge to parents and adolescents about unhealthy food intake and other risk factors related to insufficient sleep ought to be developed.

Pathological gaming and its association with lifestyle, irritability, and school and family environments among Japanese elementary school children

BACKGROUND

Pathological gaming (PG) has emerged as one of the major public health concerns worldwide. We aimed to assess PG and its associated factors among elementary school children in Japan.

METHODS

We conducted a school-based observational study in Toyama, Japan in 2018. Totally, 13,413 children in the 4th-6th grades (mean age, 10.5 years) participated in the study. We distributed questionnaires and inquired about their lifestyle, irritability, and school and family environments. Referring to criteria of gaming disorder in the International Statistical Classification of Disease (ICD-11), we asked about three core symptoms: impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities, and continuation of gaming despite the negative consequences. Children who had all three criteria in the questionnaire were defined as PG.

RESULTS

The response rate was 97.6% and 11,826 children were included in our analyses (88.2%). The prevalence of PG was 5.6% (7.8% in boys, 3.2% in girls). Besides sex, PG was significantly associated with lifestyles including skipping breakfast (odds ratio, OR=1.33; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.05-1.68), physical inactivity (OR=2.23; 95% CI: 1.63-3.05 for rare), late bed time (OR=2.52; 95% CI: 1.96-3.25 for ≥11 p.m), frequent irritability (OR=1.89; 95% CI: 1.47-2.43), frequent feeling of school avoidance (OR=1.92; 95% CI: 1.49-2.46), fewer close friends (OR=1.30; 95% CI: 1.08-1.56 for some), low academic performance (OR=1.53; 95% CI: 1.13-2.08), no child-parental interaction (OR=1.34; 95% CI: 1.02-1.75), and no rules at home (OR=1.21; 95% CI: 1.02-1.43).

CONCLUSION

Unhealthy lifestyles, irritability, and low functioning in school and family environments were associated with PG. Besides having a healthy lifestyle, parental involvement appears to be an essential countermeasure for PG in children.

Screen time duration and timing: effects on obesity, physical activity, dry eyes, and learning ability in elementary school children

Background

As internet use becomes more widespread, the screen time (ST) of elementary school students increases yearly. It is known that longer durations of ST can affect obesity, physical activity, dry eye disease, and learning ability. However, the effects of ST just before bedtime have not been clarified. Therefore, we examined ST duration and timing effects on elementary school children.

Methods

We conducted a survey of 7419 elementary school students in Tokyo, Japan using a questionnaire on food education. ST duration and timing (just before bedtime) served as the explanatory variables, and the relationship between obesity, physical activity, dry eyes, and learning ability was analyzed using logistic regression analysis. Gender, school year, height, and weight were considered confounding factors. First, we examined whether ST duration and timing were related to each objective variable, using a univariate model to examine all variables. Thereafter, we performed multivariate logistic regression analyses for all variables showing a significant difference in the univariate models.

Results

A significant association was observed between ST duration and obesity, physical activity, and academic performance, indicating that a longer ST duration may lead to obesity, decreased physical activity, and decreased academic performance. ST timing was associated with obesity, dry eyes, and academic performance, and ST immediately before bedtime contributed to obesity, dry eyes, and reduced academic performance. Furthermore, the results of investigating the combined effect of ST duration and timing (immediately before bedtime) on these factors revealed that ST timing has a greater effect on dry eyes, and ST duration has a greater effect on academic performance.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that ST in school children is related to obesity, physical activity, dry eyes, and learning ability, and they suggest that not only the duration but also the timing of ST is important.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-10484-7.

Do Adolescents Who Meet Physical Activity Recommendations on Weekdays Also Meet Them on Weekends? A Cross-Sectional Study in Colombia

The purpose of this study was to examine whether Colombian adolescents fulfill physical activity (PA) recommendations by type of day depending on several variables. A cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 2624 adolescents from Neiva (Colombia) using the Seven Day PA Recall and the Family Affluence Scale II self-reported questionnaires. Statistical analyses were performed to find any differences by gender, socioeconomic status, PA recommendations accomplishment, participation in organized and non-organized PA, parents' involvement in sport, and adolescents' academic achievement, and to determine the probability of complying with the PA guidelines. Only 12.3% of the participants met the PA recommendations on weekdays and weekends. Girls maintained their (in)active patterns during the week more than boys (84.4% vs. 70.7%, respectively), while more boys than girls changed them according to the type of day (25.3% vs. 19.6%). Participation in organized sports was the predictor variable with the highest probability of both boys and girls complying with the PA recommendations on weekdays. Non-organized activities were more likely to make girls more active on weekends. In conclusion, a wider offer of organized and non-competitive PA over the weekend and broader sports schedules should be provided to youth in Neiva.

Impact of sleep problems on daytime function in school life: a cross-sectional study involving Japanese university students

BACKGROUND

The aims of this study were 1) to clarify the prevalence of sleep problems (insomnia, insufficient sleep, and delayed sleep-wake phase) among Japanese university students; 2) to examine sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, and sleep-related symptoms in each sleep problem; and 3) to evaluate the association between the above-mentioned sleep problems and daytime dysfunction in school life.

METHODS

Self-report questionnaire surveys were conducted at eight universities in Japan, and we received 1034 valid answers (78% female). The questionnaire consisted of socio-demographic characteristics, information on lifestyle, sleep pattern, sleep-related symptoms, and daytime dysfunction in school life. Groups with insomnia, behaviorally induced insufficient sleep syndrome (BIISS), delayed sleep-wake phase (DSWP), and BIISS + DSWP were defined. To identify the association between sleep problems and daytime dysfunction in school life, the generalized linear mixed effect model was conducted.

RESULTS

Sleep duration on weekdays was 5.9 ± 1.2 h, and 38.2% of the students had a sleep duration < 6.0 h. About 16% of the students were categorized as evening-type individuals. More than half of the students (56.1%) had excessive daytime sleepiness. Insomnia was associated with tardiness (aOR: 0.8, 95%CI: 0.7-0.9) and falling asleep during class (aOR: 1.6: 95%CI: 1.4-2.0). BIISS was associated with tardiness (aOR: 1.5, 95%CI: 1.1-2.2) and interference with academic achievement (aOR: 1.9, 95%CI: 1.3-2.6). DSWP and BIISS + DSWP were associated with absence (aOR: 3.4, 95%CI: 2.2-5.1 / aOR: 4.2, 95%CI: 3.2-5.6), tardiness (aOR: 2.7, 95%CI: 1.8-4.1 / aOR: 2.2, 95%CI: 1.6-2.8), falling asleep during class (aOR: 2.6, 95%CI: 1.4-4.8 / aOR: 7.6, 95%CI: 3.3-17.2), and interference with academic achievement (aOR: 2.6, 95%CI: 1.7-3.9 / aOR: 2.1, 95%CI: 1.6-2.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Students with DSWP and BIISS + DSWP were significantly associated with daytime dysfunction in school life, i.e. absence, tardiness, falling asleep during class and interference with academic achievement. Students displaying BIISS + DSWP were considered to have a relatively more serious condition compared with those with only insomnia, DSWP, or BIISS. It is therefore of utmost importance that university students aim to prevent DSWP and BIISS which were associated with daytime function in school life.

Video Games, Obesity, and Children

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To examine associations between video game play and obesity in children.

RECENT FINDINGS

Based on a scoping review of 26 studies (25 cross-sectional; 1 longitudinal) published in 2013-2018, 14 studies (53%) reported no association between video game play and obesity, and 12 studies reported positive associations. In a review of 8 systematic reviews, there was preliminary evidence on the effectiveness of exergame (physically active) play for weight reduction and to attenuate weight gain but little indication that interventions effectively reduced video game play or general screen time. This review found ambiguous evidence on the extent to which video game play is or is not significantly associated with obesity in children and preliminary evidence of exergame play as a tool for weight reduction and attenuation of weight gain. Several gaps existed in understanding the relationship between video game play and obesity, and prospective and interventional trials are needed.

A repeated cross-sectional survey assessing changes in diet and nutrient quality of English primary school children's packed lunches between 2006 and 2016

OBJECTIVE

Mandatory school meal standards were introduced in 2006 in England; however, no legislation exists for packed lunches. This study analyses provision of foods and nutrients in packed lunches in 2016 to highlight differences in diet and nutrient quality since 2006.

DESIGN

Two cross-sectional surveys of children's packed lunches were conducted in 2006 and 2016. Data were analysed using multilevel regression models taking into account the clustering of children within primary schools.

SETTING

Data were collected from 1148 children who attended 76 schools across England in 2006 and from 323 children attending 18 schools across England in 2016.

PARTICIPANTS

Children were included if they regularly ate a packed lunch prepared at home (approximately half of children take a packed lunch to school) and were aged 8-9 years (in year 4), for both surveys.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Data collected in both years included provision of weight and type of food, nutrients and proportion of lunches meeting individual and combined school meal standards.

RESULTS

Frequency of provision and portion size of some food types changed substantially between surveys. Frequency of provision of confectionery in lunches reduced by 9.9% (95% CI -20.0 to 0.2%), sweetened drinks reduced by 14.4% (95% CI -24.8 to -4.0%), and cakes and biscuits not containing chocolate increased by 9.6% (95% CI 3.0 to 16.3%). Vegetable provision in lunches remained low. Substantial changes were seen in the percentage of lunches meeting some nutrient standards: non-milk extrinsic sugars (19%, 95% CI 10 to 29%), vitamin A (-8%, 95% CI -12 to -4%), vitamin C (-35%, 95% CI -42 to -28%) and zinc (-8%, 95% CI -14 to -1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Packed lunches remain low quality with few meeting standards set for school meals. Provision of sugars has reduced due to reductions in provision and portion size of sugary drinks and packaged sweet foods; however, provision of some nutrients has worsened.

Lifestyle Habits Predict Academic Performance in High School Students: The Adolescent Student Academic Performance Longitudinal Study (ASAP)

This study aimed to determine if lifestyle habits could predict changes in cognitive control and academic performance in high school students using a longitudinal approach. One hundred and eighty-seven grade seventh to ninth students (mean age: 13.1 ± 1.0 years old) completed a 3-year prospective study. Lifestyle habits, cognitive control, and academic performance were assessed every year during the 3-year study. Results show that in female students, screen time measures were negatively correlated with academic performance and cognitive control. Furthermore, changes (Δs) in sleeping habits were associated with Δs in academic performance in both genders, whereas Δs in eating habits and in studying time were correlated with Δs in academic performance only in male students. Moreover, in female students, screen time, social media use, and eating habits measures seem to predict the variance in the Δs of cognitive control measures (r² between 8.2% and 21.0%), whereas, in male students, studying time, eating, and sleeping habits appear to explain the variance in the Δs of academic performance measures (r² between 5.9% and 24.8%). In conclusion, results of the present study indicate that lifestyle habits were able to predict Δs in cognitive control and academic performance of high school students during a 3-year period.

Utilizing Student Health and Academic Data: A County-Level Demonstration Project

Students with chronic health conditions miss more school days than their peers and are at increased risk for performing worse on standardized tests and not completing a high school degree. University-based researchers, state government leaders, and a local county school system collaborated to use existing health and academic data to (1) evaluate the strength of the relationship between health status and school performance (absenteeism, grades) and (2) describe the health status of students who are chronically absent. Analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, negative binomial regression models, and estimated marginal means. The most common health conditions among the 3,663 kindergarten through Grade 12 students were ADD (attention deficit disorder)/ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), asthma, migraine headaches, mental health conditions, and eczema/psoriasis/skin disorders. After controlling for covariates, having asthma or a mental health diagnosis was positively associated with absences; and having an ADD/ADHD or mental health diagnosis was negatively associated with GPA (grade point average). Chronically absent students had significantly lower GPAs, and a higher number of health conditions than other students. The success of this demonstration project encourages strengthening existing collaborations and establishing new multidisciplinary partnerships to analyze existing data sources to learn more about the relationship between student health and academic achievement. Moreover, connecting health status to academic achievement might be a chief tactic for advocating for additional resources to improve the care and management of chronic disease conditions among students.

Association between lifestyle, parental smoke, socioeconomic status, and academic performance in Japanese elementary school children: the Super Diet Education Project

Background

Health and education are closely linked. However, few studies have explored the correlates of children’s academic performance in Japan. We aimed to investigate comprehensively the associations of low academic performance among school children with lifestyles, parental smoke, and socioeconomic status.

Methods

In 2016, children aged 6 to 13 years from the Super Diet Education School Project were surveyed using questionnaires. The survey explored the lifestyles and subjective academic performance of 1663 children and asked their parents about parental smoke and subjective socioeconomic status. Academic performance and socioeconomic status were divided into three levels. Then, we defined subjective academic performance in the lower two levels as low academic performance. The odds ratios (OR) were analyzed by logistic regression analysis.

Results

Among all participants, 299 (18.0%) children reported low academic performance. In general, low academic performance was significantly associated with late wakeup time (OR = 1.36 for 6:30 to < 7 a.m. and OR = 2.48 for ≥ 7 a.m.), screen time ≥ 2 h (OR = 1.35), studying at home < 1 h (OR = 1.82), paternal smoke (OR = 1.47), maternal smoke (OR = 1.87), and low socioeconomic status (OR = 1.48). Analyses stratified by grade showed stronger associations between academic performance and socioeconomic status in senior (OR = 1.62 for middle, OR = 1.52 for low in grades 4 to 6) than in junior children (OR = 1.15 for middle, OR = 1.38 for low in grades 1 to 3).

Conclusions

Children’s lifestyles, parental smoke, and socioeconomic status were significantly associated with low academic performance among Japanese children. Parents and health care providers should take these findings into consideration to prevent children from having low academic performance.

Sleep duration moderates the association between children's temperament and academic achievement

The primary goal of this study was to determine whether sleep duration moderated the relations of two dimensions of children's temperament, shyness and negative emotion, to academic achievement. In the autumn, parents and teachers reported on kindergarteners' and first graders' (N = 103) shyness and negative emotion and research assistants observed negative emotion in the classroom. In the spring, children wore actigraphs that measured their sleep for five consecutive school nights, and they completed the Woodcock Johnson-III standardized tests of achievement. Interactions between temperament and sleep duration predicting academic achievement were computed. Interactions of sleep duration with parent-reported shyness, teacher-reported negative emotion, and observed negative emotion indicated that the negative relations of shyness or negative emotion to academic achievement were strongest when children slept less. Results suggest that sleep duration may be an important bio-regulatory factor to consider in young children's early academic achievement.

The association between obesity and academic performance in youth: a systematic review

Previous studies have found that obesity could influence academic performance. The aim of this study was to systematically review the scientific evidence on the association between obesity and academic performance in school children. A systematic review of English articles was undertaken by using databases PubMed/Medline, ERIC, LILACS, SciELO and Web of Science. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies examining the association between obesity and academic performance in children and adolescents, published between January 1990 and December 2016, were included. Risk of bias was assessed by using Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology. Thirty-four studies (23 cross-sectional and 11 longitudinal) matched all inclusion criteria and were included. Seven studies were classified as low risk of bias, 23 as medium risk and four as high risk. After controlling for covariates such as socio-economic status, parental education and physical activity, the association between obesity and academic performance becomes uncertain for most of the studies (55.9%). Therefore, at present, there is insufficient evidence to support a direct link between obesity and poor academic performance in school age children. In order to clarify this issue, we need more longitudinal studies with adequate sample sizes and that control for potential confounders.

Relationship between Academic Performance with Physical, Psychosocial, Lifestyle, and Sociodemographic Factors in Female Undergraduate Students

Background:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between physical, psychosocial, lifestyle and sociodemographic factors with academic performance in female undergraduate students.

Methods:

One hundred undergraduate female students from the Faculty of Science at the University of Quebec at Montreal participated in this study (mean age = 24.4 ± 4.6 years old). All participants provided their university transcript and had to complete at least 45 course credits from their bachelor degree. Body composition (DXA), handgrip strength, estimated maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂ max) (Bruce Protocol) and blood pressure were measured. Participants also completed a questionnaire on their psychosocial, academic motivation, lifestyle and sociodemographic profile.

Results:

Significant correlations were observed between GPA with estimated VO₂ max (r = 0.32), intrinsic motivation toward knowledge (r = 0.23), intrinsic motivation toward accomplishment (r = 0.27) and external regulation (r = -0.30, P = 0.002). In addition, eating breakfast every morning and being an atheist was positively associated with academic performance (P < 0.05). Finally, a stepwise linear regression analysis showed that external regulation, intrinsic motivation toward accomplishment, VO₂ max levels and eating a daily breakfast explained 28.5 % of the variation in the GPA in our cohort.

Conclusions:

Results of the present study indicate that motivational, physical and lifestyle factors appear to be predictors of academic performance in female undergraduate students.

Association between dietary intake and 'school-valued' outcomes: a scoping review

Approximately one in four Australian children aged 5-17 years are overweight or obese. Most of the health effects of overweight and obesity in childhood do not eventuate until into adulthood; therefore, motivation for children to have a healthy diet may be low. This scoping review examined the literature for associations between diet quality in 5-18 year olds and 'school-valued' outcomes including student attendance, academic performance, behaviour at school and mental health. A literature search for studies that assessed dietary intake and at least one 'school-valued' outcome in schoolchildren, in highly developed countries was conducted. After applying selection criteria, 35 studies were included examining academic performance (46%), behaviour (11%), mental health (31%) and 11% examining two of these outcomes each. No relevant studies addressed attendance. In general, dietary factors including consumption of fruit and vegetables, discretionary foods and/or beverages, or overall diet quality, were suggested to be correlates of the 'school-valued' outcomes. However, the evidence is not comprehensive. This review elucidates the extent and nature of available literature, and provides a basis for future research where the potential benefits of diet on 'school-valued' outcomes can be thoroughly explored.

Systematic review of the relationships between sleep duration and health indicators in school-aged children and youth

The objective of this systematic review was to examine the relationships between objectively and subjectively measured sleep duration and various health indicators in children and youth aged 5-17 years. Online databases were searched in January 2015 with no date or study design limits. Included studies were peer-reviewed and met the a priori-determined population (apparently healthy children and youth aged 5-17 years), intervention/exposure/comparator (various sleep durations), and outcome (adiposity, emotional regulation, cognition/academic achievement, quality of life/well-being, harms/injuries, and cardiometabolic biomarkers) criteria. Because of high levels of heterogeneity across studies, narrative syntheses were employed. A total of 141 articles (110 unique samples), including 592 215 unique participants from 40 different countries, met inclusion criteria. Overall, longer sleep duration was associated with lower adiposity indicators, better emotional regulation, better academic achievement, and better quality of life/well-being. The evidence was mixed and/or limited for the association between sleep duration and cognition, harms/injuries, and cardiometabolic biomarkers. The quality of evidence ranged from very low to high across study designs and health indicators. In conclusion, we confirmed previous investigations showing that shorter sleep duration is associated with adverse physical and mental health outcomes. However, the available evidence relies heavily on cross-sectional studies using self-reported sleep. To better inform contemporary sleep recommendations, there is a need for sleep restriction/extension interventions that examine the changes in different outcome measures against various amounts of objectively measured sleep to have a better sense of dose-response relationships.

Physical Activity Interventions for Neurocognitive and Academic Performance in Overweight and Obese Youth: A Systematic Review

This article examines cognitive, academic, and brain outcomes of physical activity in overweight or obese youth, with attention to minority youth who experience health disparities. Physically active academic lessons may have greater immediate cognitive and academic benefits among overweight and obese children than normal-weight children. Quasi-experimental studies testing physical activity programs in overweight and obese youth show promise; a few randomized controlled trials including African Americans show efficacy. Thus, making academic lessons physically active may improve inhibition and attentiveness, particularly in overweight youngsters. Regular physical activity may be efficacious for improving neurologic, cognitive, and achievement outcomes in overweight or obese youth.

Systematic review of sedentary behaviour and health indicators in school-aged children and youth: an update

This systematic review is an update examining the relationships between objectively and subjectively measured sedentary behaviour and health indicators in children and youth aged 5–17 years. EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Medline were searched in December 2014, and date limits were imposed (≥February 2010). Included studies were peer-reviewed and met the a priori-determined population (apparently healthy children and youth, mean age: 5–17 years), intervention (durations, patterns, and types of sedentary behaviours), comparator (various durations, patterns, and types of sedentary behaviours), and outcome (critical: body composition, metabolic syndrome/cardiovascular disease risk factors, behavioural conduct/pro-social behaviour, academic achievement; important: fitness, self-esteem) study criteria. Quality of evidence by outcome was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework. Due to heterogeneity, a narrative analysis was conducted. A total of 235 studies (194 unique samples) were included representing 1 657 064 unique participants from 71 different countries. Higher durations/frequencies of screen time and television (TV) viewing were associated with unfavourable body composition. Higher duration/frequency of TV viewing was also associated with higher clustered cardiometabolic risk scores. Higher durations of TV viewing and video game use were associated with unfavourable behavioural conduct/pro-social behaviour. Higher durations of reading and doing homework were associated with higher academic achievement. Higher duration of screen time was associated with lower fitness. Higher durations of screen time and computer use were associated with lower self-esteem. Evidence ranged from “very low” to “moderate” quality. Higher quality studies using reliable and valid sedentary behaviour measures should confirm this largely observational evidence.

Implications of Facilitators and Barriers to Implementing Fuel Up to Play 60

OBJECTIVES

The primary purpose of this study was to identify barriers and facilitators of Fuel Up to Play 60 (FUTP60) program implementation.

METHODS

This was an observational study occurring over 20 months in 4 schools in metropolitan Denver, Colorado. Key informant interviews and FUTP60 surveys examined the barriers and facilitators of program implementation and utilization of other health-promotion programs.

RESULTS

Program advisors stated that the adaptability of FUTP60 eased program implementation in schools, helped schools to meet wellness policy goals, and that the program message resonated with students.

CONCLUSIONS

FUTP60's adaptability to a school's needs, its simple messaging and student-centric model were major facilitators of program implementation and should be considered when implementing other school-based programs.

Intellectual development is positively related to intrinsic motivation and course grades for female but not male students

We hypothesized that the intellectual development of students, i.e., their beliefs about the nature of knowledge and learning, affects their intrinsic motivation and class performance. Specifically, we hypothesized that students with low intellectual development (i.e., the naive beliefs that knowledge is simple, absolute, and certain) have low intrinsic motivation and low class performance, whereas students with high intellectual development (i.e., more sophisticated beliefs that knowledge is complex, tentative, and evolving) have high intrinsic motivation and class performance. To test this hypothesis, we administered the Learning Context Questionnaire to measure intellectual development. In addition, we administered the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory to assess our students' intrinsic motivation. Furthermore, we performed regression analyses between intellectual development with both intrinsic motivation and class performance. The results document a positive relationship among intellectual development, intrinsic motivation, and class performance for female students only. In sharp contrast, there was a negative relationship between intellectual development, intrinsic motivation, and class performance for male students. The slope comparisons documented significant differences in the slopes relating intellectual development, intrinsic motivation, and class performance between female and male students. Thus, female students with more sophisticated beliefs that knowledge is personally constructed, complex, and evolving had higher intrinsic motivation and class performance. In contrast, male students with the naive beliefs that the structure of knowledge is simple, absolute, and certain had higher levels of intrinsic motivation and class performance. The results suggest that sex influences intellectual development, which has an effect on intrinsic motivation for learning a specific topic.

Predictors of meeting physical activity and fruit and vegetable recommendations in 9-11-year-old children

OBJECTIVE

Childhood obesity represents a significant public health problem. This study examined physical activity and nutrition behaviours and attitudes of 9-11-year-olds, and factors influencing these behaviours.

DESIGN

Study participants recorded pedometer steps for 7 days and completed physical activity enjoyment, food attitudes and food frequency questionnaires. Fruit and vegetable sales data were collected from schools. The setting for the study was elementary schools in metropolitan Denver, Colorado (USA).

METHOD

Logistic regression was used to determine significant predictors of meeting physical activity/fruit and vegetable intake recommendations.

RESULTS

Overall, 42.0% of boys and 44.1% of girls met step count recommendations. Further, 30.9% of boys and 32.8% of girls met step count requirements associated with low risk for overweight/obesity. Enjoyment of physical activity significantly predicted achieving recommendations. Overall, 66.4%, 51.3% and 65.8% of 9-11-year-olds achieved adequate fruit, vegetable, or fruit and vegetable intake, respectively. Enjoyment of fruit/vegetable consumption, perceived parental intake and encouragement and cups of vegetables purchased predicted achieving adequate intake.

CONCLUSION

The majority of young people aged 9-11 years failed to meet step count recommendations to prevent the risk for overweight/obesity. A significant proportion also failed to achieve adequate fruit and/or vegetable intake. Future programmes and interventions should affect multiple environments in order to improve child enjoyment of physical activity and fruit/vegetable intake in order to improve the physical, mental and emotional health of children.

Sleep characteristics, body mass index, and risk for hypertension in young adolescents

Inadequate sleep has been identified as a risk factor for a variety of health consequences. For example, short sleep durations and daytime sleepiness, an indicator of insufficient sleep and/or poor sleep quality, have been identified as risk factors for hypertension in the adult population. However, less evidence exists regarding whether these relationships hold within child and early adolescent samples and what factors mediate the relationship between sleep and risk for hypertension. Using data from the Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development, the present study examined body mass index (BMI) as a possible mediator for the effects of school-night sleep duration, weekend night sleep duration, and daytime sleepiness on risk for hypertension in a sample of sixth graders. The results demonstrated gender-specific patterns. Among boys, all three sleep characteristics predicted BMI and yielded significant indirect effects on risk for hypertension. Oppositely, only daytime sleepiness predicted BMI among girls and yielded a significant indirect effect on risk for hypertension. The findings provide clarification for the influence of sleep on the risk for hypertension during early adolescence and suggest a potential need for gender-specific designs in future research and application endeavors.