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International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences | October 2024 | Vol 12 | Issue 10 Page 3648
International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences
Rahman MM et al. Int J Res Med Sci. 2024 Oct;12(10):3648-3655
www.msjonline.org
pISSN 2320-6071 | eISSN 2320-6012
Original Research Article
Impact of dietary habit on the mental wellbeing of adolescents: a
Bangladeshi perspective
M. Mominur Rahman1, Mohammad Rezwanur Alam2, A. Z. M. Naser3,
Mohammad Masud Parves4, Sharif Kamrul M. Tanveer5, M. Alamgir Hossain6,
Ehashan Ahmed7, Tuhin Akter8*
1Senior Technical Advisor, Management Sciences for Health (MSH), Dhaka, Bangladesh
2Assistant Manager Production, Orion Pharma Limited, Dhaka, Bangladesh
3Department of Pharmacy, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
4Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
5Department of Dentistry, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
6Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
7Department of Research and Publication, International Online Journal Hub Ltd., Dhaka, Bangladesh
8Marketing and Business Development, International Online Journal Hub Ltd., Dhaka, Bangladesh
Received: 07 August 2024
Revised: 15 September 2024
Accepted: 18 September 2024
*Correspondence:
Dr. Tuhin Akter,
E-mail: tuhinbd99@yahoo.com
Copyright: © the author(s), publisher and licensee Medip Academy. This is an open-access article distributed under
the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License, which permits unrestricted non-commercial
use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20242922
ABSTRACT
Background: Adolescent mental health is a critical public health issue, significantly influenced by dietary habits.
This study aims to explore the relationship between dietary patterns and mental well-being among adolescents in
Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 600 students from Grades 9 and 10 across
multiple schools in Dhaka. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic information,
dietary habits, and mental health assessed using the generalized anxiety disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale.
Result: The majority of participants were aged 15 years (37.83%) and 16 years (28.33%), with 61.33% being female.
BMI classification revealed that 28.83% were underweight, 54.67% had a normal BMI, and 16.50% were overweight
or obese. Dietary analysis showed that 56.17% had a mixed diet, 48.33% consumed fruits weekly, and 59.83%
consumed vegetables regularly. Significant correlations were found between dietary habits and anxiety levels, with
positive correlations between fruit and vegetable intake (r=0.143, p<0.001) and negative correlations between
skipping breakfast and fruit intake (r=-0.172, p<0.001).
Conclusion: This study highlights the significant impact of dietary habits on the mental well-being of adolescents in
Dhaka. Regular consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with lower anxiety levels, while poor dietary
practices, such as skipping breakfast and high fast-food intake, are linked to higher anxiety. These findings
underscore the need for targeted nutritional education and mental health interventions to improve adolescent health
outcomes.
Keywords: Adolescent mental health, Dietary habits, Anxiety levels, Generalized anxiety disorder
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International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences | October 2024 | Vol 12 | Issue 10 Page 3649
INTRODUCTION
Adolescence is a critical period of human development,
marked by rapid physical, psychological, and emotional
changes. This stage of life is crucial as it lays the
foundation for future health and well-being. Mental
health during adolescence is particularly significant, as it
influences educational achievement, social relationships,
and overall quality of life.1 Globally, mental health issues
such as depression, anxiety, and stress are prevalent
among adolescents, affecting a substantial proportion of
this population.2 According to the World Health
Organization, up to 20% of children and adolescents
worldwide suffer from a disabling mental illness, with
suicide being the third leading cause of death among
adolescents.3 In Bangladesh, the situation is similarly
concerning, with rising rates of mental health disorders
reported among adolescents.4
Dietary habits have been increasingly recognized as a key
factor influencing mental health. Nutritional intake
during adolescence not only supports physical growth but
also plays a crucial role in cognitive and emotional
development.5 Various studies have highlighted the
association between specific nutrients and mental well-
being. For instance, Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly
found in fish, have been linked to reduced symptoms of
depression and anxiety.6 Similarly, dietary patterns such
as the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits,
vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, have been
associated with lower rates of mental health disorders.7 In
contrast, diets high in processed foods, sugars, and
unhealthy fats are often correlated with poorer mental
health outcomes.8 In Bangladesh, adolescents constitute a
significant portion of the population, with unique dietary
habits influenced by socio-economic and cultural factors.
Common dietary practices among Bangladeshi
adolescents often include high consumption of rice,
vegetables, and fish, but may lack diversity and essential
nutrients.9 Despite the global recognition of the diet-
mental health link, there is a paucity of research focusing
specifically on Bangladeshi adolescents.
This study aims to fill this gap by exploring the impact of
dietary habits on the mental well-being of adolescents in
Bangladesh. Several studies underscore the importance of
investigating this relationship within the Bangladeshi
context. For instance, Kurshed et al, conducted a study on
the dietary intake and nutritional status of adolescent girls
in Dhaka, revealing significant deficiencies in
micronutrient intake, particularly calcium and iron.10
Similarly, Razzak et al, highlighted widespread
nutritional and hygiene problems among adolescent girls
in Sunamganj District, emphasizing the need for targeted
health education interventions.11 Another study by Islam
et al, explored dietary diversity among rural adolescents,
finding significant associations between socio-economic
status and dietary diversity, with poorer households
exhibiting less diverse diets.12 These findings are critical
as they point to underlying socio-economic and cultural
factors that influence dietary habits and, consequently,
mental health. The role of socio-economic status in
shaping dietary habits is further evidenced by the study
conducted by Hossain, which compared the nutritional
knowledge and practices between garment worker
adolescents and school-going girls.13 The study found
significant gaps in nutritional awareness, highlighting the
need for education and intervention programs. Moreover,
the impact of dietary habits on mental health has been
observed in various contexts.
For instance, a study by Ahmed et al, investigated the
prevalence of anaemia and vitamin A deficiency among
adolescent boys in Dhaka, linking these deficiencies to
poor dietary habits.14 Similarly, a study by Sunny et al,
examined the lifestyle and dietary habits of high school
students during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring
the importance of healthy dietary practices for
maintaining mental well-being during stressful times.15
The existing literature clearly indicates a significant gap
in research focused on the dietary habits and mental well-
being of Bangladeshi adolescents. This study seeks to
address this gap by providing a comprehensive analysis
of the relationship between dietary habits and mental
health in this demographic.
METHODS
Study type
This cross-sectional observational study was conducted
among 600 students, both male and female, selected from
various schools in Dhaka city.
Study duration
The study duration was from January 2021 to December
2024.
Sampling technique
Randomized sampling technique was used for data
collection. The study population included students from
Grades 9 and 10, ensuring a representative sample of the
urban adolescent population in Dhaka.
Sample size
The sample size was determined to provide adequate
statistical power and representativeness.
Data collection
Data collection was carried out using a structured
questionnaire, which was designed to gather detailed
information on demographic characteristics, dietary
habits, and mental health status. The mental health of the
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International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences | October 2024 | Vol 12 | Issue 10 Page 3650
respondents was assessed using the generalized anxiety
disorder 7-Item (GAD-7) scale. The questionnaire also
included sections on screen time, distinguishing between
leisure and educational activities.
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria were limited to students in Grades 9 and
10 to maintain consistency and focus on a specific age
group.
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria included students with pre-diagnosed
mental disabilities to avoid confounding effects from pre-
existing conditions. Additionally, students outside the
specified grade levels were excluded from the study.
Informed consent was obtained from the legal guardians
of all participants. The consent form was incorporated
into the questionnaire, and guardians provided their
approval through a signature, ensuring ethical compliance
and the protection of minors involved in the study.
Statistical analysis
The collected data were entered and analyzed using SPSS
version 25. Statistical analyses included Chi-square tests
for categorical variables and ANOVA tests for
continuous variables to assess the significance of
associations between dietary habits, screen time, and
mental health outcomes. Statistical significance was set at
a p value of less than 0.05.
RESULTS
The age distribution showed that the majority of
participants were aged 15 years (37.83%), followed by 16
years (28.33%), 14 years (24.67%), 13 years (6.33%),
and 17 years (2.83%).
Table 1: Distribution of baseline characteristics
among the participants (n=600).
Variables
Frequency
%
Age (years)
13
38
6.33
14
148
24.67
15
227
37.83
16
170
28.33
17
17
2.83
Gender
Male
232
38.67
Female
368
61.33
BMI
Underweight
173
28.83
Normal
328
54.67
Overweight
91
15.17
Obesity I
8
1.33
Gender distribution revealed that 38.67% of the
participants were male (n=232) and 61.33% were female
(n=368).
Regarding the Body Mass Index (BMI) classification,
28.83% of the participants were underweight (n=173),
54.67% had a normal BMI (n=328), 15.17% were
overweight (n=91), and 1.33% fell into the obesity I
category (n=8) Table 1.
Table 2: Distribution of participants by dietary
habits (n=600).
Dietary habits
Frequency
%
Fruits intake
Regular
204
34.00
Weekly
290
48.33
Rarely
97
16.17
Never
9
1.50
Vegetables intake
Regular
359
59.83
Weekly
173
28.83
Rarely
52
8.67
Never
16
2.67
Fast food intake
Regular
138
23.00
Weekly
246
41.00
Rarely
177
29.50
Never
39
6.50
Sweet and sugary food intake
Regular
198
33.00
Weekly
240
40.00
Rarely
158
26.33
Never
4
0.67
Habit of skipping breakfast
Often
93
15.50
Sometimes
269
44.83
Rarely
54
9.00
Never
184
30.67
The distribution showed that a majority of the
participants, 56.17% (n=337), followed a mixed diet.
This was followed by 38.33% (n=230) who adhered to a
non-vegetarian diet, and a smaller proportion, 5.50%
(n=33), who were vegetarians’ figure 1. Among the 600
adolescent participants, the majority, 81.50% (n=489),
reported having no known food allergies. For those with
known food allergies, 9.50% (n=57) were allergic to
prawns and fish.
Other specific food allergies included spinach and
eggplant, each affecting 1.33% (n=8) of the participants.
Additionally, 6.33% (n=38) reported having common
food allergies. Among the 600 adolescent participants,
the majority, 81.50% (n=489), reported having no known
food allergies. For those with known food allergies,
9.50% (n=57) were allergic to prawns and fish. Other
specific food allergies included spinach and eggplant,
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International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences | October 2024 | Vol 12 | Issue 10 Page 3651
each affecting 1.33% (n=8) of the participants.
Additionally, 6.33% (n=38) reported having common
food allergies figure 2. Regarding fruit intake, 34.00%
(n=204) of the participants reported consuming fruits
regularly, 48.33% (n=290) consumed fruits weekly,
16.17% (n=97) rarely ate fruits, and 1.50% (n=9) never
consumed fruits. For vegetable intake, a majority,
59.83% (n=359), reported eating vegetables regularly,
28.83% (n=173) consumed vegetables weekly, 8.67%
(n=52) rarely ate vegetables, and 2.67% (n=16) never
consumed vegetables. Fast food consumption was also
significant among the participants, with 23.00% (n=138)
eating fast food regularly, 41.00% (n=246) weekly,
29.50% (n=177) rarely, and 6.50% (n=39) never
consuming fast food.
Sweet and sugary food intake was reported as regular by
33.00% (n=198) of the participants, weekly by 40.00%
(n=240), rarely by 26.33% (n=158), and never by 0.67%
(n=4). When it comes to the habit of skipping breakfast,
15.50% (n=93) of the participants reported often skipping
breakfast, 44.83% (n=269) sometimes skipped breakfast,
9.00% (n=54) rarely skipped breakfast, and 30.67%
(n=184) never skipped breakfast table 2. For the item
"Feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge," 48.8% (n=293)
reported not experiencing this at all, 39.8% (n=239) felt
this way several days, 7.0% (n=42) experienced it more
than half the days, and 4.3% (n=26) nearly every day.
Regarding "Not being able to stop or control worrying,"
55.3% (n=332) did not experience this at all, 31.7%
(n=190) felt this way several days, 9.0% (n=54) more
than half the days, and 4.0% (n=24) nearly every day. For
the item "Worrying too much about different things,"
44.5% (n=267) reported not at all, 30.8% (n=185) several
days, 10.7% (n=64) more than half the days, and 14.0%
(n=84) nearly every day. In terms of "Trouble relaxing,"
41.3% (n=248) reported not at all, 30.2% (n=181) several
days, 15.0% (n=90) more than half the days, and 13.5%
(n=81) nearly every day. For "Being so restless that it is
hard to sit still," 73.0% (n=438) did not experience this at
all, 13.7% (n=82) felt this way several days, 8.3% (n=50)
more than half the days, and 5.0% (n=30) nearly every
day.
Regarding "Becoming easily annoyed or irritable," 47.2%
(n=283) reported not at all, 28.5% (n=171) several days,
14.0% (n=84) more than half the days, and 10.3% (n=62)
nearly every day. Finally, for the item "Feeling afraid as
if something awful might happen," 74.5% (n=447) did
not experience this at all, 19.7% (n=118) felt this way
several days, 3.8% (n=23) more than half the days, and
2.0% (n=12) nearly every day table 3. The majority of
participants, 52.83% (n=317), experienced minimal
anxiety. Mild anxiety was reported by 36.17% (n=217) of
the participants. Moderate anxiety levels were observed
in 8.00% (n=48) of the adolescents, while 3.00% (n=18)
experienced severe anxiety figure 3.
The bivariate correlation analysis between GAD-7 scores
and various dietary habits among the 600 adolescent
participants revealed several significant associations.
Fruits intake showed a positive correlation with
vegetables intake (r=0.143, p<0.001) and a weak positive
correlation with fast food intake (r=0.090, p=0.027).
However, it was negatively correlated with the habit of
skipping breakfast (r=-0.172, p<0.001). Vegetables intake
was negatively correlated with fast food intake (r=-0.186,
p<0.001) and diet type (r=-0.239, p<0.001), indicating
that higher vegetable intake was associated with lower
fast-food consumption and a preference for a healthier
diet. It was also negatively correlated with the habit of
skipping breakfast (r=-0.192, p<0.001).
Fast food intake showed positive correlations with sweets
and sugary food intake (r=0.177, p<0.001), diet type
(r=0.218, p<0.001), and the habit of skipping breakfast
(r=0.345, p<0.001), suggesting that higher fast-food
consumption was associated with increased intake of
sweets and sugary foods, and a tendency to skip
breakfast. Sweets and sugary food intake had positive
correlations with diet type (r=0.188, p<0.001) and a weak
positive correlation with fast food intake (r=0.177,
p<0.001). Diet type showed positive correlations with
fast food intake (r=0.218, p<0.001) and sweets and
sugary food intake (r=0.188, p<0.001), while it was
negatively correlated with vegetables intake (r=-0.239,
p<0.001).
The habit of skipping breakfast had a strong positive
correlation with fast food intake (r=0.345, p<0.001) and a
negative correlation with both fruits’ intake (r=-0.172,
p<0.001) and vegetables intake (r=-0.192, p<0.001). The
GAD-7 scores categorized showed weak negative
correlations with fruits intake (r=-0.076, p=0.062),
vegetables intake (r=-0.043, p=0.298), and fast-food
intake (r=-0.024, p=0.553), none of which were
statistically significant.
Figure 1: Distribution of dietary type among the
participants (n=600).
5.50%, 33,
6%
38.33%,
230, 38%
56.17%,
337, 56%
Dietary Type
Vegetarean Non-Veg Mixed
Rahman MM et al. Int J Res Med Sci. 2024 Oct;12(10):3648-3655
International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences | October 2024 | Vol 12 | Issue 10 Page 3652
Figure 2: Distribution of known food allergens among
the participants (n=600).
Figure 3: Distribution of participants my GAD-7
measured anxiety levels.
Table 3: Distribution of generalized anxiety disorder 7-item (GAD-7) score representations among the
participants (n=600).
GAD-7 Category
Not at all, N
(%)
Several days, N
(%)
More than half the
days, N (%)
Nearly every
day, N (%)
Feeling nervous, anxious or on edge
293 (48.8)
239 (39.8)
42 (7.0)
26 (4.3)
Not being able to stop or control worrying
332 (55.3)
190 (31.7)
54 (9.0)
24 (4.0)
Worrying too much about different things
267 (44.5)
185 (30.8)
64 (10.7)
84 (14.0)
Trouble relaxing
248 (41.3)
181 (30.2)
90 (15.0)
81 (13.5)
Being so restless that it is hard to sit still
438 (73.0)
82 (13.7)
50 (8.3)
30 (5.0)
Becoming easily annoyed or irritable
283 (47.2)
171 (28.5)
84 (14.0)
62 (10.3)
Feeling afraid as if something awful might
happen
447 (74.5)
118 (19.7)
23 (3.8)
12 (2.0)
Table 4: Bivariate correlation of GAD-7 scores and dietary habit of participants (n=600).
Correlations
Fruits
intake
Vegetables
intake
Fast
food
intake
Sweets
and
sugary
food
intake
Diet type
Habit of
skipping
breakfast
GAD7
score
categorized
Fruits intake
Pearson
correlation
1
0.143**
0.090*
0.061
0.023
-0.172**
-0.076
Sig. (2-
tailed)
<0.001
0.027
0.133
0.573
<0.001
0.062
Vegetables
intake
Pearson
correlation
0.143**
1
-0.186**
0.001
-0.239**
-0.192**
-0.043
Sig. (2-
tailed)
<0.001
<0.001
0.982
<0.001
<0.001
0.298
Fast food
intake
Pearson
correlation
0.090*
-0.186**
1
0.177**
0.218**
0.345**
-0.024
Sig. (2-
tailed)
0.027
<0.001
<0.001
<0.001
<0.001
0.553
Sweets and
sugary food
Pearson
correlation
0.061
0.001
0.177**
1
.188**
0.040
0.021
489
857 838
81.50%
1.33% 9.50% 1.33% 6.33%
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
70.00%
80.00%
90.00%
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
Absent Spinach Prawn,
Fish Eggplant Common
food
allergies
Known food allergy
Frequency Percentage
317 217 48 18
52.83%
36.17%
8.00% 3.00%
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
Minimal
Anxiety Mild
Anxiety Moderate
Anxiety Severe
Anxiety
GAD-7 score categorized
Frequency Percentage
Continued.
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International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences | October 2024 | Vol 12 | Issue 10 Page 3653
Correlations
Fruits
intake
Vegetables
intake
Fast
food
intake
Sweets
and
sugary
food
intake
Diet type
Habit of
skipping
breakfast
GAD7
score
categorized
intake
Sig. (2-
tailed)
0.133
0.982
<0.001
<0.001
0.325
0.605
Diet type
Pearson
correlation
0.023
-0.239**
0.218**
0.188**
1
-0.017
-0.051
Sig. (2-
tailed)
0.573
<0.001
<0.001
<0.001
0.674
0.212
Habit of
skipping
breakfast
Pearson
correlation
-
0.172**
-0.192**
0.345**
0.04
-0.017
1
0.072
Sig. (2-
tailed)
<0.001
<0.001
<0.001
0.325
0.674
0.076
GAD7 score
categorized
Pearson
correlation
-0.076
-0.043
-0.024
0.021
-0.051
0.072
1
Sig. (2-
tailed)
0.062
0.298
0.553
0.605
0.212
0.076
It also had weak positive correlations with sweets and
sugary food intake (r=0.021, p=0.605) and the habit of
skipping breakfast (r=0.072, p=0.076), though these were
also not statistically significant Table 4.
DISCUSSION
The findings of this study highlight important aspects of
dietary habits and their correlation with mental well-
being among adolescents in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The age
distribution of our participants, with the majority being
15 years old (37.83%) and 16 years old (28.33%), aligns
with other studies that focused on similar age groups to
capture a representative sample of adolescent dietary and
mental health patterns.16,17 The gender distribution in our
study, where 38.67% of the participants were male and
61.33% were female, reflects similar trends observed in
other adolescent health studies, indicating a higher
participation or prevalence of issues among female
adolescents.17 This gender disparity may be influenced by
sociocultural factors that warrant further investigation.
Our BMI classification revealed that 28.83% of the
participants were underweight, 54.67% had a normal
BMI, 15.17% were overweight, and 1.33% were
classified as obesity I. These findings are consistent with
a study conducted in Tehran, which reported comparable
percentages of underweight and overweight adolescents,
highlighting the universal nature of adolescent nutritional
challenges.18 The high prevalence of normal BMI is
encouraging, yet the significant proportion of
underweight and overweight individuals indicates the
need for targeted nutritional interventions. The dietary
types in our study showed that 5.50% of participants were
vegetarian, 38.33% were non-vegetarian, and 56.17% had
a mixed diet. This distribution mirrors findings from
urban adolescents in Nigeria, where dietary patterns were
similarly diverse, underscoring the impact of cultural
dietary practices on adolescent nutrition.19 A substantial
majority of our participants, 81.50%, reported no known
food allergies, while 9.50% were allergic to prawns and
fish. These figures align with global data on food
allergies, though the specific allergens may vary by
region.20,21 Regarding fruit and vegetable intake, 34.00%
of participants consumed fruits regularly, while 48.33%
did so weekly, and 59.83% consumed vegetables
regularly, with 28.83% doing so weekly. These figures
are comparable to findings from project EAT, which
emphasized the role of home availability and taste
preferences in increasing fruit and vegetable consumption
among adolescents.22 The positive correlation between
fruit and vegetable intake in our study (r=0.143, p<0.001)
supports the assertion that these dietary components are
often consumed together.23
Interestingly, our study found a negative correlation
between fruit intake and the habit of skipping breakfast
(r=-0.172, p<0.001). This finding is consistent with
research showing that breakfast-skipping adolescents are
less likely to consume fruits and other healthy foods
throughout the day.24 Additionally, the negative
correlation between vegetable intake and fast food
consumption (r=-0.186, p<0.001) aligns with studies
indicating that higher fast food consumption is associated
with lower intake of healthier food options24.24 The
mental health assessment using the GAD-7 scale revealed
that 52.83% of participants had minimal anxiety, 36.17%
had mild anxiety, 8.00% had moderate anxiety, and
3.00% had severe anxiety. These levels are comparable to
findings from a large-scale study in Finland, which
validated the use of GAD-7 among adolescents and
reported similar distributions of anxiety levels.25
Furthermore, our findings on specific anxiety symptoms
such as feeling nervous or anxious (48.8% not at all,
39.8% several days) and uncontrollable worrying (55.3%
not at all, 31.7% several days) reflect patterns observed in
other adolescent populations.25,26 Overall, our study
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underscores the complex interplay between dietary habits
and mental health among Bangladeshi adolescents. The
correlations identified, such as the positive relationship
between fruit and vegetable intake and the negative
impact of fast-food consumption on mental health,
highlight the need for comprehensive nutritional and
mental health interventions. Comparative analysis with
studies from other regions provides valuable context and
reinforces the universal relevance of these findings.
Addressing these issues through targeted policies and
educational programs could significantly improve the
health outcomes of adolescents in Bangladesh. The
sample size in this study was relatively small compared
to other research efforts, largely due to the brevity of this
study. Additionally, potential biases stemming from self-
reporting and limitations on generalizability may
influence the results.
CONCLUSION
This study provides a comprehensive and detailed
analysis of the intricate relationship between dietary
habits and mental well-being among adolescents in
Dhaka, Bangladesh. The findings underscore the critical
role of nutrition in influencing anxiety levels among this
demographic. Specifically, the data reveal that regular
consumption of fruits and vegetables is significantly
associated with lower anxiety levels, highlighting their
importance in promoting mental health. Conversely,
frequent intake of fast food is linked to increased anxiety,
indicating the adverse effects of unhealthy dietary
practices. Furthermore, the negative correlation between
skipping breakfast and overall dietary quality emphasizes
the necessity for consistent and balanced eating patterns.
These results not only align with global research but also
emphasize the urgent need for targeted nutritional
education and public health interventions tailored to the
needs of Bangladeshi adolescents. By addressing these
dietary issues, we can make significant strides in
improving both the physical and mental health of this
vulnerable population. Future research should expand on
these findings across diverse populations to develop and
implement effective strategies that support the holistic
well-being of adolescents worldwide.
Funding: No funding sources
Conflict of interest: None declared
Ethical approval: The study was approved by the
Institutional Ethics Committee
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Cite this article as: Rahman MM, Alam MR, Naser
AZM, Parves MM, Tanveer SKM, Hossain MA, et
al. Impact of dietary habit on the mental wellbeing of
adolescents: a Bangladeshi perspective. Int J Res
Med Sci 2024;12:3648-55.
