Abstract

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN BREAKFAST CONSUMPTION PATTERNS, MOOD, AND COGNITIVE CONCENTRATION AMONG THE YOUNG ADULTS

Nafisatul Misriya Raseena*, Dhanya Bappanad, A. R. Shabaraya

ABSTRACT

Breakfast consumption includes consumption of any kind of food, beverages excluding water at the first eating episode, not later than 10: 00 am. This study aims to examine the association between breakfast, consumption, pattern, mood, and cognitive function among the young adults. Studies suggested most of the young adults have poor breakfast consumption pattern due to academic pressure, busy schedules and increased fast food consumption. A healthy breakfast on the daily basis has been observed to have beneficial effects on psychological and health behaviour such as cognitive function. A number of nutritional mechanisms have been proposed to explain the effect of breakfast, consumption and cognitive functions. Some authors have suggested alleviating hunger, improves mood, and subsequently impacting the cognitive performance and also have focused on glucose as mediator for reduced cognitive function. Majorly glucose is the only fuel that brain can directly use. Breakfast consumption is also known to be associated with reduced Cortisol production, Which is related to mood. A total of 100 students aged 18–25 years participated in the study. Forty percent consumed breakfast regularly(daily or 4-6days/week), while 60% reported irregular breakfast consumption (1–3 times/week, never or rarely). The mean WHO-5 mood score was 11.86 ± 5.72 and the mean cognitive concentration score was 13.02 ± 6.51. Chi-square analysis demonstrated significant association between breakfast consumption patterns and mood status (p = 0.004). Students who skipped breakfast more frequently reported poorer mood. A significant association was also observed between breakfast consumption and cognitive concentration (p = 0.006). Pearson correlation analysis indicated a positive relationship between mood and cognitive concentration (r = 0.46, p < 0.001). Irregular breakfast consumption was strongly associated with poor mood and reduced cognitive concentration among young adults. Promoting regular breakfast habits may improve psychological well-being and cognitive functioning in university students.

Keywords: Breakfast, pattern, mood, cognitive concentration, young adult.