Rahman, MMAlam, MRNaser, AZMParves, MMTanveer, SKMHossain, MAAhmed, EAkter, T.2025-05-122025-05-122024-10Rahman MM, Alam MR, Naser AZM, Parves MM, Tanveer SKM, Hossain MA, Ahmed E, Akter T.. Impact of dietary habit on the mental wellbeing of adolescents: a Bangladeshi perspective . International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences. 2024 Oct; 12(10): 3648-36552320-60712320-6012https://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/246839Background: Adolescent mental health is a critical public health issue, significantly influenced by dietary habits. This study aims to explore the relationship between dietary patterns and mental well-being among adolescents in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 600 students from Grades 9 and 10 across multiple schools in Dhaka. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic information, dietary habits, and mental health assessed using the generalized anxiety disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale. Result: The majority of participants were aged 15 years (37.83%) and 16 years (28.33%), with 61.33% being female. BMI classification revealed that 28.83% were underweight, 54.67% had a normal BMI, and 16.50% were overweight or obese. Dietary analysis showed that 56.17% had a mixed diet, 48.33% consumed fruits weekly, and 59.83% consumed vegetables regularly. Significant correlations were found between dietary habits and anxiety levels, with positive correlations between fruit and vegetable intake (r=0.143, p<0.001) and negative correlations between skipping breakfast and fruit intake (r=-0.172, p<0.001). Conclusion: This study highlights the significant impact of dietary habits on the mental well-being of adolescents in Dhaka. Regular consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with lower anxiety levels, while poor dietary practices, such as skipping breakfast and high fast-food intake, are linked to higher anxiety. These findings underscore the need for targeted nutritional education and mental health interventions to improve adolescent health outcomes.Adolescent mental healthDietary habitsAnxiety levelsGeneralized anxiety disorderJournal ArticleIndiaSenior Technical Advisor, Management Sciences for Health (MSH), Dhaka, BangladeshAssistant Manager Production, Orion Pharma Limited, Dhaka, BangladeshDepartment of Pharmacy, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, BangladeshPharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, BangladeshDepartment of Dentistry, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Rajshahi, BangladeshDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, BangladeshDepartment of Research and Publication, International Online Journal Hub Ltd., Dhaka, BangladeshMarketing and Business Development, International Online Journal Hub Ltd., Dhaka, Bangladesh