Are perceived barriers to physical activity related to depression, anxiety and stress among adolescents? The EHDLA study.

Objective: The aim of this study was twofold: first, to examine the association between perceived barriers to physical activity (PA) practice and depression, anxiety and stress in a sample of Spanish adolescents; and second, to determine which barriers are specifically associated with depression, anxiety and stress. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 765 adolescents aged 12-17 (55.6% girls) in the Valle of Ricote, Murcia, Spain. Depression, anxiety and stress symptoms were assessed using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), with validated cut points employed to determine the presence of each of these mental conditions. The perception of barriers to PA was assessed using a validated questionnaire for the Spanish adolescent population. Results: The barrier 'Because I feel that my physical appearance is worse than that of others' was related to a higher likelihood of having depression (OR=2.41; 95% CI 1.35 to 4.28; p=0.003), anxiety (OR=2.65; 95% CI 1.51 to 4.71; p=0.001) and stress (OR=2.82; 95% CI 1.59 to 5.07; p<0.001). Similarly, the barrier 'Because nobody encourages me to engage in physical activity' was related to a higher likelihood of having depression (OR=1.92; 95% CI 1.08 to 3.43; p=0.026), anxiety (OR=1.97; 95% CI 1.11 to 3.50; p=0.021) and stress (OR=1.99; 95% CI 1.12 to 3.59; p=0.021). Conclusion: Perceived barriers to PA related to physical appearance and social support seem to be associated with a greater likelihood of depression, anxiety and stress among Spanish adolescents.

Prevalence of daily family meals among children and adolescents from 43 countries.

Prevalence studies about family meals, including large and representative samples of children and adolescents on this topic, are scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was twofold: first, to determine the prevalence of daily family meals in large and representative samples of school-going children and adolescents from 43 countries, and second, to identify the sex, age, socioeconomic status (SES), family structure, immigrant status and parental labour market status inequalities associated with this prevalence. Using data from the 2017/2018 wave of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study, a total of 179,991 participants from 43 countries were involved in this cross-sectional study. Family meals were assessed by the following question: 'How often do you and your family usually have meals together?'. Participants had five different response options: 'every day', 'most days', 'about once a week', 'less often', and 'never'. The meta package was utilized for conducting a meta-analysis of single proportions, specifically applying the metaprop function. The analysis involved pooling the data using a random-effects model and presenting the outcomes through a forest plot generated using the inverse variance method. Moreover, we applied generalized linear mixed models to explore the relationships between the studied sociodemographic factors as fixed effects, country as a random effect and the status of daily family meals as an outcome. Overall, the prevalence of daily family meals was 49.12% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 45.00-53.25). A greater probability of having daily family meals was identified for children aged 10-12 years (61.55%; 95% CI: 57.44%-65.49%), boys (61.55%, 95% CI: 57.44%-65.49%), participants with high SES (64.66%, 95% CI: 60.65%-68.48%), participants with both parents at home (65.05%, 95% CI: 61.16%-68.74%) and those with both unemployed parents (61.55%, 95% CI: 57.44%-65.49%). In the present study, which included large representative samples of school-going children and adolescents from 43 countries, more than half of the participants did not have daily family meals.

Sex-specific associations of muscular fitness with overall academic performance and specific school subjects in adolescents: the EHDLA study.

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.

Effectiveness of high intensity and sprint interval training on metabolic biomarkers, body composition, and physical fitness in adolescents: randomized controlled trial.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of HIIT and SIT programmes on body composition, blood pressure, lipid profile, glucose, cardiorespiratory fitness, and strength of adolescents and to compare the effect between those different protocols. Methods: Sixty adolescents were recruited from a high school and were randomly placed into three groups. SIT and HIIT undertook a training for 8 weeks, twice a week, for 12 min per session, during their Physical Education lessons. SIT group performed 6 sets of 60 s of work (90-95%HRmax) / 60 s of rest (50-55%HRmax), and HIIT group performed 3 sets of 2 min of work (80-85%HRmax) / 2 min of rest (50-55%HRmax). Results: After adjustment by sex, both experimental groups exhibited a significant reduction in fat mass (p < 0.01), and trunk fat mass (p < 0.01), as well as a significant increase in lean mass (p = 0.01; <0.01), hand-grip strength (p < 0.01) and standing long jump (p = 0.05-0.04, respectively). In addition, HIIT showed a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and VO2max, and a tendency toward a significant reduction in low density lipoprotein. Conclusion: The implementation of a HIIT protocol within high school Physical Education sessions, maintained for 8 weeks, at a rate of 3 sets of 2 min of work (80-85% RHR)/2 min of rest (50-55% RHR) generated adaptations such as improved fitness condition, changes in body composition, and improvements in blood parameters and blood pressure. However, the group of adolescents who performed SIT, shorter but more intense sets, did not experience as many benefits.

Socioeconomic Status and Rate of Poverty in Overweight and Obesity among Spanish Children and Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES), poverty rate, and the prevalence of overweight/obesity or obesity in children and adolescents aged 2-14. METHODS: Parents or guardians reported the weight and height of participants, used to calculate body mass index (BMI) and BMI z-scores according to the International Obesity Task Force standards. Participants were categorized into "overweight/obesity" and "no overweight/obesity" and further into "obesity" and "no obesity". The rate of poverty rate was determined using data from the National Statistics Institute of Spain, defining it as the percentage of people with income below 60% of the national median. SES was based on the head of household's occupation and categorized into low, medium, and high levels. RESULTS: Adjusted multilevel models showed participants with medium or high SES had lower odds of overweight/obesity compared to those with low SES (medium SES: odds ratio [OR]: 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54-0.73; high SES: OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.49-0.70). Participants in the high-poverty group had higher odds of having overweight/obesity (OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.13-1.74) compared to the low-poverty group. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights significant socioeconomic disparities in childhood overweight/obesity, emphasizing the potential impact of SES and poverty on health outcomes in Spanish children and adolescents.

Meal Duration and Obesity-Related Indicators among Adolescents: Insights from the EHDLA Study.

PURPOSE: This paper aims to examine the association between meal duration and obesity indicators among Spanish adolescents. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the Eating Healthy and Daily Life Activities (EHDLA) project involving 755 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years (54.8% girls) from three secondary schools in the Valle de Ricote Region of Murcia, Spain. To evaluate overall meal duration, participants were asked how long (on average) breakfast, morning snacks, lunch, afternoon snacks, and dinner typically last. Subsequently, global meal duration was measured, and the participants were categorized into tertiles. Obesity-related indicators, including body mass index (BMI) z score, waist circumference (WC), and skinfold thickness, were assessed. The analyses were adjusted for potential confounders such as sex, age, socioeconomic status, physical activity, sedentary behavior, diet quality, and energy intake. RESULTS: Concerning meal duration status, adolescents with long meal durations had the lowest estimated marginal means of BMI z score, WC, and body fat percentage (using the sum of triceps and calf skinfolds). However, significant differences between adolescents with a long meal duration and those with a short meal duration were observed only for BMI z score (p = 0.008), and WC (p = 0.020). Furthermore, significant differences in BMI z score (p = 0.017) between adolescents with a long meal duration and those with a moderate meal duration were identified. CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the importance of promoting slower eating habits as part of obesity prevention strategies. Future studies should explore the causality of this association and its potential for behavioral interventions.

Scrolling through adolescence: unveiling the relationship of the use of social networks and its addictive behavior with psychosocial health.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the relationship of social network use and addictive behaviors with adolescent psychosocial health is crucial in today's digital age. AIM: To verify the associations between social network use, messaging applications, and the addictive behaviors to social network with psychosocial health in Spanish adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was developed with 632 adolescents, aged 12 to 17 years from the Region of Murcia, Spain. The assessment of social network use (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok) involved evaluating the frequency of use of each social network individually using a single-item scale with five response options. WhatsApp use (i.e., a messaging application) was evaluated in the same manner. The Short Social Networks Addiction Scale-6 Symptoms was employed to assess potential addictive behaviors to social network use. The psychosocial health was assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Generalized linear regression models were conducted, and predictive probabilities of having psychosocial health problems were calculated. RESULTS: The predicted probability of presenting psychosocial health problems in the medium users and high users of social networks was 19.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 13.0 to 27.7), and 16.2% (95% CI 10.2 to 24.6) higher compared to low users, respectively. High usage of Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook was associated with increased probabilities of psychosocial health problems, with Facebook showing the highest probabilities, at 31.3% (95% CI 14.8 to 54.2) for medium users and 51.9% (95% CI 26.5 to 76.3) for high users. Additionally, adolescents with addictive behaviors to social network use had from 19.0 to 25.2% probabilities of experiencing psychosocial health problems. Finally, the highest probabilities of having psychosocial health problems were identified in adolescents with high addictive behaviors when using social networks (28.9%; 95% CI 19.3 to 40.8%) and the lowest in those with low addictive behaviors (6.8%; 95% CI 3.3 to 13.6%). CONCLUSION: Adolescents who use social networks more frequently and exhibit more addictive behaviors related to their use are more likely to experience psychosocial health problems compared to those who do not. Facebook showed the strongest association, followed by Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok. Our data also revealed that adolescents exhibit various signs of addictive behaviors to social network use.

Social Jetlag on Obesity-Related Outcomes in Spanish Adolescents: Cross-Sectional Evidence from the EHDLA Study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the association between social jetlag (SJL) and obesity-related outcomes among adolescents from Valle de Ricote (Region of Murcia, Spain). We explored the relationship between SJL and body mass index (BMI) z-score, waist circumference, and body fat percentage, as well as the odds of having excess weight, obesity, and abdominal obesity in a sample of Spanish adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Eating Healthy and Daily Life Activities (EHDLA) project, which included 847 Spanish adolescents aged 12-17 years. SJL was assessed based on the differences in sleep patterns between weekdays and weekends. Obesity-related indicators such as BMI z-score, waist circumference, body fat percentage, excess weight, obesity, and abdominal obesity were measured. Generalized linear models with a Gaussian or binomial distribution were used to analyze the associations between SJL and obesity-related outcomes, adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: The analysis revealed significant associations between SJL and BMI z-score (unstandardized beta coefficient [B] = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.25, p = 0.003), waist circumference (B = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.39 to 1.67, p = 0.002), and body fat percentage (B = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.31 to 1.43, p = 0.008). Additionally, the odds ratios (ORs) for excess weight (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.16 to 1.57; p < 0.001), obesity (OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.26 to 2.00; p < 0.001), and abdominal obesity (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.23 to 1.72; p < 0.001) increased significantly with each 60 min increment in SJL. CONCLUSIONS: This study pointed out that the misalignment of sleeping times during weekdays and weekends (SJL) is significantly associated with higher BMI z-scores, waist circumference, body fat percentage, and higher odds of excess weight, obesity, and abdominal obesity among adolescents, being more significant in boys than in girls. These findings highlight the importance of addressing circadian misalignment in the prevention and management of obesity and its related metabolic disorders in this population.

What Is the Relationship between Chronotype and Disordered Eating in Adolescents? The EHDLA Study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence assessing the relationship between chronotype and disordered eating in adolescents is scarce. The current study tried to evaluate the association between chronotype and disordered eating in a sample of Spanish adolescents. METHODS: This secondary cross-sectional study analyzed data from the Eating Healthy and Daily Life Activities (EHDLA) study. The sample consisted of 703 adolescents (56.3% girls) aged between 12 and 17 years from the Valle de Ricote (Region of Murcia, Spain). Chronotype was assessed using the Morningness/Eveningness Scale in Children (MESC). Disordered eating was evaluated by two psychologists using the Sick, Control, One, Fat, and Food (SCOFF) questionnaire. RESULTS: Adolescents with an eveningness chronotype showed a higher SCOFF score (estimated marginal mean [M] = 1.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.7 to 1.5) in comparison with adolescents with a morningness chronotype (M = 0.7; 95% CI 0.5 to 0.8) (p = 0.010), as well as with those with an intermediate chronotype (M = 0.6; 95% CI 0.5 to 0.8) (p = 0.032). A higher predictive probability of having disordered eating was identified in adolescents with an eveningness chronotype (39.5%; 95% CI 22.8% to 59.1%), compared to adolescents with an intermediate chronotype (14.9%; 95% CI 10.8% to 20.1%) (p = 0.008) and with their counterparts with a morningness chronotype (16.9%; 95% CI 11.6% to 24.0%) (p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that adolescents with an eveningness chronotype are more likely to exhibit disordered eating behaviors compared to those with morningness or intermediate chronotypes. These findings highlight the importance of considering chronotype in adolescent health, particularly in developing targeted interventions to prevent eating disorders.

Cross-validation of the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy second edition (CAPL-2) for Spanish children.

Background/objective: This study aimed to explore physical literacy (PL) using the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy, second edition (CAPL-2), adapt it to the Spanish context and provide evidence of its validity for use in Spanish children aged 8-12. Methods: A total of 280 students (150 girls, mean age 10.5±0.9 years) from Extremadura (Spain) completed the CAPL-2. Means and SDs were used to present CAPL-2 scores according to age and sex, as well as frequencies to place participants at different PL levels. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to establish the best model fit for the data. Results: The median PL of Spanish children was progressing, and girls had a lower PL than boys for all ages except 12 years. The results supported a four-domain model for the CAPL-2 Spanish version and reported good fit indices after CFA (χ2 per df ratio=1.118; P (χ2)=0.256; root mean square error of approximation=0.021; comparative fit index=0.987; Tuker-Lewis index=0.991; normed fit index=0.895). Conclusion: The CAPL-2 model is a valid and reliable instrument for Spanish children aged 8-12. It represents the first tool that assesses PL in Spanish children, covering the domains of motivation and confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding, and daily behaviour. It may be relevant for all professionals related to physical activity, education and the health field.

Mediterranean Diet and Cardiometabolic Biomarkers in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Importance: No prior systematic review and meta-analysis has specifically verified the association of Mediterranean diet (MedDiet)-based interventions with biomarkers of cardiometabolic health in children and adolescents. Objective: To review and analyze the randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that assessed the effects of MedDiet-based interventions on biomarkers of cardiometabolic health among children and adolescents. Data Sources: Four electronic databases were searched (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus) from database inception to April 25, 2024. Study Selection: Only RCTs investigating the effect of interventions promoting the MedDiet on cardiometabolic biomarkers (ie, systolic blood pressure [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP], triglycerides [TGs], total cholesterol [TC], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], glucose, insulin, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]) among children and adolescents (aged ≤18 years) were included. Data Extraction and Synthesis: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Data were extracted from the studies by 2 independent reviewers. Results across studies were summarized using random-effects meta-analysis. Main Outcome and Measures: The effect size of each trial was computed by unstandardized mean differences (MDs) of changes in biomarker levels (ie, SBP, DBP, TGs, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR) between the intervention and the control groups. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations approach. Results: Nine RCTs were included (mean study duration, 17 weeks; range, 8-40 weeks). These studies involved 577 participants (mean age, 11 years [range, 3-18 years]; 344 girls [59.6%]). Compared with the control group, the MedDiet-based interventions showed a significant association with reductions in SBP (mean difference, -4.75 mm Hg; 95% CI, -8.97 to -0.52 mm Hg), TGs (mean difference, -16.42 mg/dL; 95% CI, -27.57 to -5.27 mg/dL), TC (mean difference, -9.06 mg/dL; 95% CI, -15.65 to -2.48 mg/dL), and LDL-C (mean difference, -10.48 mg/dL; 95% CI, -17.77 to -3.19 mg/dL) and increases in HDL-C (mean difference, 2.24 mg/dL; 95% CI, 0.34-4.14 mg/dL). No significant associations were observed with the other biomarkers studied (ie, DBP, glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR). Conclusions and Relevance: These findings suggest that MedDiet-based interventions may be useful tools to optimize cardiometabolic health among children and adolescents.

Nonpharmacological interventions on glycated haemoglobin in youth with type 1 diabetes: a Bayesian network meta-analysis.

The available evidence on the impact of specific non-pharmacological interventions on glycaemic control is currently limited. Consequently, there is a need to determine which interventions could provide the most significant benefits for the metabolic health of young individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to identify optimal nonpharmacological interventions on glycaemic control, measured by glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus from inception to July 1, 2023. Randomised clinical trials (RCT) investigating nonpharmacological interventions (e.g., physical activity, nutrition, and behavioural therapies) were included. Primary outcome was change in HbA1c levels. Secondary outcome was change in daily insulin dose requirement. Seventy-four RCT with 6,815 participants (49.43% girls) involving 20 interventions were analysed using a network meta-analysis. Most interventions showed greater efficacy than standard care. However, multicomponent exercise, which includes aerobic and strength training (n = 214, standardised mean difference [SMD] =- 0.63, 95% credible interval [95% CrI] - 1.09 to - 0.16) and nutritional supplements (n = 146, SMD =- 0.49, - 0 .92 to - 0.07) demonstrated the greatest HbA1c reductions. These interventions also led to the larger decreases in daily insulin needs (n = 119, SMD =- 0.79, 95% CrI -  1.19 to - 0.34) and (n = 57, SMD =- 0.62, 95% CrI -  1.18 to - 0.12, respectively). The current study underscores non-pharmacological options such as multicomponent exercise and nutritional supplements, showcasing their potential to significantly improve HbA1c in youth with type 1 diabetes. Although additional research to confirm their efficacy is required, these approaches could be considered as potential adjuvant therapeutic options in the management of type 1 diabetes among children and adolescents.

Is the frequency of breakfast consumption associated with life satisfaction in children and adolescents? A cross-sectional study with 154,151 participants from 42 countries.

BACKGROUND: The promotion of daily breakfast consumption and the importance of making appropriate breakfast choices have been underscored as significant public health messages. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between breakfast frequency and life satisfaction in large and representative samples of school-going children and adolescents aged 10-17 years from 42 different countries. METHODS: This study used information from the 2017/2018 Health Behavior in School-aged Children study, comprising nationally representative samples of children and adolescents aged 10-17 years who were attending school. The total number of participants from the 42 countries included in the study was 155,451 (51.3% girls). The evaluation of breakfast consumption in this study involved a specific question: "How often do you typically have breakfast (more than a glass of milk or fruit juice)?". To measure life satisfaction, a subjective assessment scale was used in the form of a ladder, visually spanning from 0 to 10. On this scale, the topmost point (10) denotes the highest conceivable quality of life, whereas the bottom point (0) represents the worst imaginable quality of life. RESULTS: After adjusting for several covariates, the lowest estimated marginal mean of life satisfaction was identified in those participants who skipped breakfast (mean [M] = 5.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.5 to 5.8). Conversely, the highest estimated marginal mean of life satisfaction was observed in those who had breakfast every day (M = 6.5, 95% CI 6.3 to 6.6). Overall, a nearly linear relationship between higher frequency of breakfast and greater life satisfaction in children and adolescents was identified (p-for-trend < 0.001). In addition, the highest estimated marginal mean of life satisfaction score was identified in those participants from Portugal who had breakfast every day (M = 7.7; 95% CI 6.9 to 8.5 points). Conversely, the lowest estimated marginal mean of life satisfaction was observed in those participants from Romania who no breakfast (M = 3.5; 95% CI 2.6 to 4.4 points). CONCLUSIONS: There is a nearly linear relationship between higher frequency of breakfast and greater life satisfaction in children and adolescents. Considering the potential health advantages associated with breakfast during this critical age phase, these findings imply the necessity for additional global efforts to promote increased breakfast consumption among children and adolescents.

Clustering of Dietary Patterns Associated with Health-Related Quality of Life in Spanish Children and Adolescents.

PURPOSE: The aim of the current study was to examine the association between dietary patterns and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Spanish children and adolescents. METHODS: A modified version of the parental version of 10 items of the Screening for and Promotion of Health-Related Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents-a European Public Health perspective (KIDSCREEN-10) was used to assess children's HRQoL in three areas: subjective physical, mental, and social status. To evaluate dietary habits, a food frequency questionnaire was employed. To identify different feeding patterns in the sample of children and adolescents examined, cluster analyses were carried out. In addition, a generalized linear model with a Gaussian distribution was applied to test the associations between the determined clusters and HRQoL. RESULTS: The lowest HRQoL was identified in participants located in the unhealthiest cluster (Cluster 1) (mean [M] = 85.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 83.7 to 86.7). In comparison with the unhealthiest cluster (Cluster 1), a greater estimated marginal mean of HRQoL was identified for participants in the moderately healthy cluster (Cluster 1) (p = 0.020) and in the healthiest cluster (Cluster 2) (p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: Based on our findings, dietary habits based on the low consumption of bread, cereals, and dairy products (mainly), together with low intake of fruits and vegetables, are related to lower HRQoL in children and adolescents. These results underscore the importance of promoting balanced and nutrient-rich diets among young populations. Public health initiatives should focus on educating parents, caregivers, and children about the benefits of a varied diet that includes adequate portions of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products.

Associations of Eating Habits with Self-Rated Health and Life Satisfaction in Adolescents: A 42-Country Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the associations of eating habits with self-rated health and life satisfaction in adolescents using a multiple-country sample. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) 2013/2014 wave was used in this study. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect data on independent variables including breakfast on weekdays, breakfast at weekends, and consumption of fruits, vegetables, sweets, and soft dirks. Outcomes included self-rated health and life satisfaction. Regression models were used to assess the associations between the independent variables and the two outcomes, separately, after controlling for covariates. Results were presented using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Of all the study participants (aged 11-15 years), 50.8% were girls. Compared with no consumption of breakfast on weekdays, eating breakfast for five days had 1.22 times greater likelihood for improved self-rated health (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.19-1.25, p < 0.001). Participants who ate breakfast for both days (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.36-1.46, p < 0.001) and one day (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.08-1.17, p < 0.001) were more likely to experience improved self-rated health compared to never eating breakfast at weekends. Five or more days for fruit and vegetable consumption resulted in better self-rated health (all p < 0.001). Similar results were found in terms of the associations of breakfast, fruit, and vegetable consumption with life satisfaction. For example, a higher frequency of fruit intake was associated with enhanced self-rated health (e.g., OR for more than once daily = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.34-1.51, p < 0.001) compared to no fruit consumption. Similarly, a higher-frequency vegetable intake, such as more than once daily (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.26-1.39, p < 0.001), was associated with improved self-rated health. CONCLUSIONS: Healthy eating habits, especially regular breakfast and a higher consumption of vegetables and fruit, are associated with better self-rated health and life satisfaction in school-aged children. Of note, the consumption of fruit would have the greatest impact on health and wellbeing outcomes. This study offers evidence that healthy eating habits can play a vital role in school-aged children's health and wellbeing, highlighting the practical significance of educating adolescents to develop healthy eating habits.

Food Insecurity and Sleep-Related Problems in Adolescents: Findings from the EHDLA Study.

PURPOSE: The current research aimed to investigate the connection between food insecurity and sleep issues among Spanish adolescents aged from 12 to 17 years from the Valle de Ricote (Region of Murcia, Spain). METHODS: Data from the Eating Healthy and Daily Life Activities Study, which included a sample of 836 adolescents (55.3% girls), were analyzed. Food insecurity was evaluated using the Child Food Security Survey Module in Spanish (CFSSM-S), while sleep-related problems were evaluated using the Bedtime problems, Excessive daytime sleepiness, Awakenings during the night, Regularity and duration of sleep, and Sleep-disordered breathing (BEARS) sleep screening tool. Generalized linear models were employed to explore the association between food insecurity and sleep-related issues. RESULTS: Compared with their counterparts with food security, adolescents with food insecurity had greater probabilities of bedtime problems (24.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 16.9% to 33.0%, p = 0.003), excessive daytime sleepiness (36.4%, 95% CI 27.5% to 46.3%, p < 0.001), awakenings during the night (16.7%, 95% CI 10.8% to 25.1%, p = 0.004), and any sleep-related problems (68.1%, 95% CI 57.5% to 77.1%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that food insecurity is related to greater sleep-related problems among adolescents. Implementing strategies to mitigate food insecurity may contribute to improved sleep health among adolescents, highlighting the importance of integrated public health interventions.

Prevalence of obesity and associated sociodemographic and lifestyle factors in Ecuadorian children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Given the increasing prevalence of obesity in young people in Ecuador, there is a need to understand the factors associated with this condition. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of obesity in Ecuadorian children and adolescents aged 5-17 years and identify its associated sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición (ENSANUT-2018). The final sample consisted of 11,980 participants who provided full information on the variables of interest. RESULTS: The prevalence of obesity was 12.7%. A lower odd of having obesity was observed for adolescents; for those with a breadwinner with an educational level in middle/high school or higher; for each additional day with 60 or more minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity; and for those with greater daily vegetable consumption (one, two, or three or more servings). Conversely, there were greater odds of obesity in participants from families with medium, poor, and very poor wealth and those from the coast and insular region. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of obesity in Ecuadorian children and adolescents is a public health concern. Sociodemographic and lifestyle behavior differences in young people with obesity should be considered when developing specific interventions. IMPACT: As the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents increases in Latin America, with a particular focus on Ecuador, it becomes crucial to delve into the factors linked to this condition and identify the most successful strategies for its mitigation. The elevated prevalence of obesity among young individuals in Ecuador raises significant public health concerns. To develop targeted interventions, it is crucial to account for sociodemographic variables and lifestyle behaviors that contribute to obesity in this population.

Is higher adherence to the mediterranean diet associated with greater academic performance in children and adolescents? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

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.