Relationship between dietary diversity, eating behavior, and cognitive performance in economically disadvantaged school children.

Abstract

Objective: The effect of dietary diversity and eating behavior on attention, and concentration among children lacking in resources is unclear. We aim to investigate the association between dietary diversity, eating behavior, and cognitive abilities among economically disadvantaged children at high risk of cognitive impairment.

Methods: This study enrolled 676 children aged 10-12 years from 16 free academic tutoring centers across Taiwan. Demographic and dietary behavior data were collected through self-administered questionnaires. Cognitive abilities, specifically attention and concentration, were assessed using the following validated tools: The Attention Test for Elementary School Children and the Concentration Questionnaire.

Results: Those who reported poor concentration and attention tend to have a higher prevalence of obesity. After adjustment for confounding variables by general linear model, a significant positive correlation was identified between dietary diversity score (DDS) and classroom concentration score (regression coefficient (β) = 0.24; P < 0.0001). Conversely, the frequency of unhealthy food intake exhibited a negative correlation with concentration (β: -0.09; P = 0.025). Moreover, a negative correlation was observed between the frequency of instant food intake and the attention (β: -0.08; P = 0.04) and concentration scores (β: -0.09; P = 0.026).

Conclusions: Enhancing dietary diversity and reducing unfavorable food intake may improve cognitive performance in socioeconomically disadvantaged children.