Dietary intake is important for physical and mental health. The aim of this investigation was to assess associations between dietary behaviours and psychological well-being and distress among school-going adolescents in Korea. In a cross-sectional nationally representative survey, 65,212 students (Mean age = 15.1 years, SE = 0.02 and 52.2% male and 47.8% female) responded to a questionnaire that included measures of dietary behaviour, psychological well-being and mental distress. In logistic regression analyses, adjusted for age, sex, socioeconomic status, school level, school types, Body Mass Index, physical activity, and substance use, positive dietary behaviours (regular breakfast, fruit, vegetable, and milk consumption) were positively and unhealthy dietary behaviours (intake of caffeine, soft drinks, sweet drinks and fast food consumption) were negatively associated with self-reported health, happiness and sleep satisfaction. Positive dietary behaviours (regular breakfast, fruit, vegetable, and milk consumption) were negatively associated with perceived stress and depression symptoms. Unhealthy dietary behaviours (consumption of fast food, caffeine, sweetened drinks and soft drinks) were associated with perceived stress and depression symptoms. The study found strong cross-sectional evidence that healthy dietary behaviours were associated with lower mental distress and higher psychological well-being. It remains unclear, if a healthier dietary behaviour is the cause or the sequela of a more positive well-being.

Background: Due to the limited number of studies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), this study aimed to identify the prevalence and determinants of postpartum poor maternal sleep and depression. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 380 women who were 2–12 months postpartum in March and April 2017 in Ramechhap district, Nepal. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify the associated factors. Results: The prevalence of poor sleep quality and depression was 28.2% and 18.7%, respectively. Poor sleep quality was associated with having an occupation (in government or business, odds ratio [OR] 6.69; in agriculture/labour, OR 15.5), a male infant (OR 2.37), home delivery (OR 2.17), mental illness during pregnancy (OR 5.87), complications after delivery (OR 5.58) and postpartum depression (OR 2.86). Meanwhile, postpartum depression was associated with having no post-natal care (OR 98.7), living in a nuclear family (OR 48.5), living in a rural area (OR 26.6), having a male infant (OR 4.61), having complications after delivery (OR 21.9), introducing complementary foods before 6 months of age (OR 4.71) and having poor sleep quality (OR 3.20). Conclusions: A relatively high prevalence of depression and poor sleep quality were found. The close positive association between poor sleep quality and depression suggests the need for early identification and support for women at risk of poor sleep quality and depression in Nepal.

The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of underweight and overweight or obesity and their socio-demographic and lifestyle factors in a female adult population in Myanmar. In a national cross-sectional population-based survey in the 2015–16 Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey, 12,160 women aged 18–49 years and not currently pregnant completed questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Nutritional status was determined using Asian body mass index cut-offs: underweight (BMI<18.5 kg/m²), overweight (23.0–27.4 kg/m²), and obesity (≥27.5 kg/m²). Multinomial logistic regression modelling was used to determine the association between socio-demographic and lifestyle factors and weight status. The prevalence of underweight was 14.1%, overweight 28.1% and obesity 13.1%. Among different age groups, the prevalence of underweight was the highest among 18 to 29 year-olds (20.2%), while overweight or obesity was the highest in the age group 30 to 49 years (around 50%). In multinomial logistic regression, being 30 to 49 years old, poorer and richer wealth status, living in all the other regions of Myanmar and ever contraceptive use were inversely and current tobacco use, not working and having less than two children ever born were positively associated with underweight relative to normal weight. Older age, having secondary education, urban residence, wealthier economic status, living with a partner, living in the Northern and Southern regions of Myanmar, having less than two children ever born and having ever used contraceptives were positively and current tobacco use was negatively associated with overweight or obesity relative to normal weight. A dual burden of both underweight and overweight or obesity among female adults was found in Myanmar. Sociodemographic and health risk behaviour factors were identified for underweight and overweight or obesity that can guide public health interventions to address both of these conditions.

Kim K, et al. Korean J Community Nutr. 2011 Dec;16(6):771-781. http://dx.doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2011.16.6.771

Background: Though alcohol and tobacco are the most commonly used substances among adolescents, little is known about the patterning of early adolescent substance use in Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states. Objectives: This study examined past month patterns of substances use and its gender difference among adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional samples among adolescents aged 13–16 years who completed the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) from eight ASEAN countries were included in the analysis (n = 40,212). Results: Prevalence of past month any tobacco use was relatively high in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines (11–15%), but prevalence of dual cigarette and other forms of tobacco use was about 2–5% in the five countries. Past month alcohol consumption prevalence was also high in Thailand, Viet Nam, and the Philippines (16–24%), compared to the rest countries (1.4–8.2%). Moreover, prevalence of the concurrent alcohol and tobacco use was higher in Thailand and the Philippines (7 and 10%, respectively), particularly in boys (13 and 15%, respectively). Conclusions/importance: Almost 30–40% of the boys and 10–20% of girls in Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam are engaged in at least one of the two risk behaviors, and the concurrent alcohol and tobacco use was also relatively high among boys in those countries (5–15%). This study may provide some valuable insights on alcohol and tobacco policy in the region and requires to begin prevention and treatment programs in ASEAN member states.