Abstract:
In this cross-sectional study, children aged 10 to 14 are examined for mental health issues,
eating patterns, and dietary habits in relation to these variables. The primary objective of this
research is to examine the relationship between eating patterns and mental health issues during
the early stages of adolescence in the Savar area of Dhaka. Respondent data was gathered using
the FFQ (Food Frequency Questionnaire) and CBCL (Child Behavior Checklist)
questionnaires. This study utilizes survey information from 60 students in the Bank Colony
area of Savar, Dhaka. The transitional stage between childhood and maturity is known as
adolescence. There are two main developmental phases that adolescents go through: early
adolescence and late adolescence. The period between childhood and adolescence is known as
early adolescence. Early adolescence is a critical time for healthy eating since physical and
nutritional changes in the body during this phase impact a person’s mental and physical wellbeing. The findings of the study indicate that those who regularly consume healthy foods (fruits
and vegetables) had a lower AOR for hyperactivity (adjusted OR = 2.80; 95% CI 1.70, 4.60)
and hypertension (adjusted OR = 0.21; 95% CI 0.11, 0.42) than those who consumed fast food
two or more times a week and had a higher AOR for hyperactivity (adjusted OR = 4.60; 95%
CI 2.11, 9.98) and hypertension (adjusted OR = 0.32; 95% CI 0.24, 0.51). The correlation
between eating healthy patterns and mental health problems is moderate, with (ρ) = +0.6 to
+0.7 indicating a moderate association. On the other hand, eating junk food and unhealthy
snacks is associated with poor mental health, with a very strong (p =.000) association and a (ρ)
value of +0.8 to +1.0 indicating a very strong, perfect positive association. Thus, the results
have fulfilled the main purpose of this investigation.
