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Lifestyle and demographic correlates of poor mental health in early adolescence
METHODS: The Raine Study 14-year follow-up involved primary care givers and their adolescent children (n= 1860). The Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) was used to assess adolescent mental health. We examined diet, socio-demographic data, family functioning, physical activity, screen use and risk-taking behaviours with mental health outcomes using linear regression.
RESULTS: Adolescents with higher intakes of meat and meat alternatives and 'extras' foods had poorer mental health status. Adverse socio-economic conditions, higher hours of screen use and ever partaking in the health risk behaviours of smoking and early sexual activity were significantly associated with increasing CBCL scores, indicative of poorer functioning.
CONCLUSIONS: By identifying the lifestyle and demographic factors that accompany poorer mental health in early adolescence, we are able to better understand the context of mental health problems as they occur within an adolescent population.
History
Publication title
Journal of Paediatrics and Child HealthVolume
47Issue
1-2Pagination
54-61ISSN
1034-4810Department/School
Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchPublisher
Blackwell Publishing AsiaPlace of publication
54 University St, P O Box 378, Carlton, Australia, Victoria, 3053Repository Status
- Restricted