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ARS Home » Plains Area » Houston, Texas » Children's Nutrition Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #221394
Title: Dietary patterns and depressive mood in a multiethnic representative sample of Texas eighth graders

Author
item GEORGE, GOLDY - UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS-HSC
item HOELSCHER, DEANNA - UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS-HSC
item SANDERS, JULIA - UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS-HSC
item Nicklas, Theresa

Submitted to: Journal of Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/2007
Publication Date: 4/30/2007
Citation: George, G.C., Hoelscher, D.M., Sanders, J., Nicklas, T.A. 2007. Dietary patterns and depressive mood in a multiethnic representative sample of Texas eighth graders [abstract]. Journal of Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. 21(5):A116.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The purpose of the study was to examine the relation between dietary patterns and depressive mood among 8th grade students in Texas. Data were from the 2004–2005 School Physical Activity and Nutrition study, a multistage probability-based sample of Texas 8th graders. Participants (n=8827; 14.7% African-American, 41.7% Hispanic, and 43.6% White/Other) had a mean age of 13.7 ± 0.6y. Depressive mood, dietary patterns, and physical activity were assessed using a multi-item survey instrument. Height and weight were measured. Three aspects of diet were examined: healthful food choices composite score, breakfast and meal patterns, and beverages. Sampling weights were applied and odds ratios (OR) were calculated using multiple logistic regression models stratified by gender and adjusted for weight status, race/ethnicity, and physical activity. Female students in the lowest quartile of the healthful food choices composite score (OR=1.45, p<.035) or consuming < 3 meals/day (OR=1.75, p<.037) had higher odds of depressive mood. Skipping breakfast increased risk of depressive mood in male (OR=2.16, p<.002) and female (OR=3.55, p<.001) students. Increased soda consumption was associated with depressive mood in girls (OR=1.66, p<.001). Results suggest depressive mood among adolescents may negatively affect their diets; conversely, emphasizing healthful dietary choices may help combat depressive mood among young adolescents.