Meal Timing and Depression Among Chinese Children and Adolescents: Cross-Sectional Study

• DOI: 10.2196/54275
• Publication Date: 2024-07-08T16:06:58Z
• Authors: Huilun Li; Zhaohui Lu; Erliang Zhang; Jie Zhang; Shuheng Cui; Masaki Takahashi; Mi Xiang
• Keywords: Cross-sectional study; Preprint; Depression

Abstract Background Depression in children and adolescents is a rising concern China. Dietary behavior critical determinant of mental health. Meal timing, or the schedule meal consumption, has been related to several metabolic disorders. However, effect timing on health scarce, particularly who are period physical psychological development. Objective This research examined relationship between depression Methods Children from grades 1 9 were recruited 16 districts Shanghai, China, January 3 21 , 2020. Ten schools attended study. A survey was distributed students their parents collect demographic health-related information. measured by Children’s Inventory-Short Form. Breakfast consumption analyzed as binary outcome. Participants defined breakfast consumers if they never skipped during week. They otherwise skippers at least once per similar categorization applied analyze food intake proximal bed. Daily eating windows calculated using last time frame—the first frame. classified into window groups less than 10 hours, 10-12 more 12 hours. logistic regression model used compute odds ratio (OR) 95% CI. Results total 6874 participants included analysis. associated with 2.70 times higher occurrence (OR 2.70, CI 2.24‐3.26; P <.001). The prevalence 1.28 ate before bed those 1.28, 1.08‐1.50; 1.37 shorter hours 1.37, 1.08‐1.73; =.009) 1.23 longer 1.23, 1.01‐1.50; =.004). lowest observed 11.5 Subgroup analysis showed that such relationships remained significant aged years older. In children, only skipping 2.77, 1.94‐3.96; Conclusions significantly increase depression. optimal daily lower adolescents. an elevated Current findings advocate evidence-based dietary strategies prevent treat