Association between breakfast-eating habit and attention-concentration in primary school children: a cross-sectional study in Badung District

Abstract

Background and purpose: One of the main benefits of breakfast-eating habit for schoolchildren is to maintain the attention-concentration. The current trend shows a steady decline in the breakfast-eating habit among primary school children. This present study aims to examine the association between breakfast-eating habit and attention-concentration in primary school children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 160 primary school students year 5 and 6. Samples were selected from six public primary schools within two villages. There were a total of 16 classes of year 5 and 6 in these six schools, and five classes were selected randomly. All students from the selected classes included in the study. Attention-concentration was measured using a digit symbol test, and breakfast-eating habit and total calories intake were measured using the recall 24 hours and a standardised questionnaire. Multivariate analysis with logistic regression was employed to examine the association between breakfast-eating habit and attention-concentration.Results: The majority of students were found to have good concentration (60.63%), with breakfast-eating habit (75.00%), and consumed sufficient amount of calories (53.13%). Our multivariate analysis found a significant association between breakfast-eating habit and attention-concentration among schoolchildren (AOR=14.0; 95%CI: 4,9–67,8).Conclusions: Students with breakfast-eating habit tend to have a good attention-concentration. The total calories intake during breakfast is not associated with attention-concentration among primary school students in Badung District.

Applying the trans-theoretical model to determine the mediating effect self-efficacy in breakfast consumption among children

“…The information obtained from the other studies shows that many children go to school without eating breakfast. While studies show that eating breakfast increases their concentration and strengthens their brain function (Zipp and Eissing, 2019; Mohajeri et al , 2020e; Sukmandari et al , 2018; Lesani et al , 2016). Having a healthy meal before school activities can lead to increased mental focus, improved exam scores, high physical strength, desirable digestion and good absorption of the body required vitamins and minerals, and healthy body mass index.…”

“…Therefore, childhood nutritional status should have optimal and positive effects on school-age children. These positive effects lead to the establishment of good nutritional habits and proper physical activity (PA), which is pursued in adulthood (Sukmandari et al , 2018; Giménez-Legarre et al , 2020; Yao et al , 2019). Trans-Theoretical Model (TTM), which was proposed by Prochaska and DiClemete, is one of the most commonly used theories in dietary and PA behavior change.…”