Study Title
Cross-sectional associations of schoolchildren’s fruit and vegetable consumption, and meal choices, with their mental well-being: a cross-sectional study.
Principal Investigator
Richard Hayhoe, Boika Rechel, Allan B. Clark, Claire Gummerson, S.J. Louise Smith, Ailsa A. Welch.
Affiliation
Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia; Public Health, Norfolk County Council.
Start Date
October 2017.
End Date
Not specified.
Study Objective
To investigate the association between dietary choices and mental well-being among schoolchildren in Norfolk, UK.
Short Abstract
The study analyzed data from over 8,000 primary and secondary school children to examine how fruit and vegetable consumption, as well as meal choices, impacted mental well-being. Findings indicated that higher fruit and vegetable intake and consuming proper meals were associated with significantly better mental well-being scores. Public health strategies that include good nutrition are recommended to promote the mental well-being of schoolchildren.
Study Design
Cross-sectional study using data from the Norfolk Children and Young People Health and Well-being Survey.
Population
Schoolchildren in Norfolk, UK, aged 8-18.
Sample Size
8,823 children (7,570 secondary, 1,253 primary).
Inclusion Criteria
Primary and secondary school pupils in Norfolk.
Exclusion Criteria
Not specified.
Intervention/Exposure
Fruit and vegetable consumption, breakfast and lunch choices.
Outcome Measures
Mental well-being scores using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) for secondary school pupils and the Stirling Children’s Well-being Scale (SCWS) for primary pupils.
Funding Source
Norfolk County Council Public Health and the UEA Health and Social Care Partners.
Collaborating Institutions
Norfolk County Council, Schools and Students Health Education Unit, University of East Anglia.
Ethics Approval
Not specified.
Publication Status
Published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, 2021.
Keywords
Fruit and vegetable consumption, mental well-being, schoolchildren, cross-sectional study, public health.
Data Collection Methods
Online survey with validated mental well-being scales.
Primary Data Availability
Data available upon reasonable request.
Contact Information
Professor Ailsa A. Welch,