The relationship between breakfast consumption and happiness in high school students in Ahwaz

Background: Breakfast can be named as the most important meal of the day because the body is fasting for a long time so eliminating the breakfast can reduce the available nutrients in brain and therefore, decreasing cognitive function. Breakfast is an important meal for students. Regular consumption of breakfast can affect the physical, mental and social health in students. Studies show that students who eat breakfast regularly, are more efficient at school than those who do not. Happiness is an important principle in individual’s mental health and their quality of life. The common definition of happiness in the articles, includes positive emotion, satisfaction and lack of depression and anxiety. This study examines the effect of breakfast consumption on happiness in students. Method: In this cross sectional study, 273 students (133 boys and 140girls) in Ahwaz were analyzed. The questionnaire included demographic, anthropometric and illness information, designed breakfast and Oxford happiness questionnaire. For statistical analysis, SPSS22, NUT4 software and independent T-test, Chi square, One sample t-test were used. Finding: Comparison between the two sexes showed that the average consumption of breakfast per week in boys was greater than girls, but it was not statically significant (p=0.11). The mean score of happiness in the group that consumed breakfast at home was higher than those who did not consume at home (55.07+-15.71 against 44.11+-10.93). The mean carbohydrate and fat intake was significantly higher in girls than boys (p<0.001); showing that with higher intake of carbohydrate was significantly related to higher happiness score (p=0.006). Also higher intake of calorie and fat, were significantly related to higher happiness score (p<0.001). Conclusion: This study showed a significant connection between the mean weekly intake of breakfast and eating breakfast at home, calorie, fat and carbohydrate intake and happiness. Therefore we can promote happiness by encouraging the students to consume breakfast.

کلیدواژه ها:

Breakfast ، Happiness ، Students ، Ahwaz