Loading...
The association between self-reported diet quality and health-related quality of life in rural and urban Australian adolescents
Bolton, Kristy A. Jacka, Felice Allender, Steven Kremer, Peter Gibbs, Lisa Waters, Elizabeth de Silva, Andrea
Bolton, Kristy A.
Jacka, Felice
Allender, Steven
Kremer, Peter
Gibbs, Lisa
Waters, Elizabeth
de Silva, Andrea
Abstract
Objective: This study examines the relationship between diet quality and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in rural and urban Australian adolescents, and gender differences. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Secondary schools. Participants: 722 rural and 422 urban students from 19 secondary schools. Main outcome measures: Self-report dietary-related behaviours, demographic information, HRQoL (AQoL-6D) were collected. Healthy and unhealthy diet quality scores were calculated; multiple linear regression investigated associations between diet quality and HRQoL. Results: Compared to urban students, rural students had higher HRQoL, higher healthy diet score, lower unhealthy diet score, consumed less soft drink and less frequently, less takeaway and a higher proportion consumed breakfast (P < 0.05). Overall, males had higher unhealthy diet score, poorer dietary behaviours but a higher HRQoL score compared to females (P < 0.05). In all students, final regression models indicated: a unit increase in healthy diet score was associated with an increase in HRQoL (unstandardised coefficient(B)±standard error(SE); B = 0.02 ± 0.01(SE); P < 0.02); and a unit increase in unhealthy diet scores was associated with a decrease in HRQoL (−0.01 ± 0.00; P < 0.05). In rural students alone, a unit increase in unhealthy diet score was associated with a decrease in HRQoL (B = −0.01 ± 0.00; P = 0.002), and in urban students a unit increase in healthy diet score was associated with an increase in HRQoL (B = 0.02 ± 0.00; P < 0.001). Conclusions: Cross-sectional associations between diet quality and HRQoL were observed. Dietary modification may offer a target to improve HRQoL and general well-being; and consequently the prevention and treatment of adolescent health problems. Such interventions should consider gender and locality.
Keywords
adolescence, eating habits, gender, geographic location, mental health
Date
2016
Type
Journal article
Journal
Australian Journal of Rural Health
Book
Volume
24
Issue
5
Page Range
317-325
Article Number
ACU Department
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
File Access
Controlled