Abstract
BackgroundIn this study, we examined the relationship between low levels of physical activity, high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and low consumption of whole grain bread and experiencing insomnia in adolescence and psychological distress in young adults.MethodsThis prospective study was based on information retrieved from the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) in Norway and included adolescents (age 13–19) participating in Young-HUNT3 (2006–2008) and in HUNT4 (2017–2019) 11 years later (age 23–31). The study sample consisted of 2,230 participants (1,287 females and 943 males). The exposure variables collected in adolescence included self-reported physical activity, consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and whole grain bread and insomnia, and psychological distress in young adulthood was used as an outcome variable. The relationship between lifestyle behaviours in adolescence and psychological distress in young adulthood was examined using multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for gender, age and psychological distress in adolescence and educational level in young adulthood.ResultsAn increased odds of psychological distress was shown among young adults who reported low levels of physical activity (OR: 1.44, 95 % CI: 1.10–2.89), high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (OR: 1.49, 95 % CI: 1.12–1.98), low consumption of whole grain bread (OR: 1.35, 95 % CI: 1.04–1.77) and insomnia (OR: 1.69, 95 % CI: 1.23–2.33) in adolescence. In terms of absolute differences, unhealthy lifestyle behaviours increased the risk of psychological distress in young adulthood between 3.18 (95 % CI: 0.29–6.07) (low whole grain bread consumption) and 6.01 (95 % CI: 1.95–10.07) (insomnia) percentage points.ConclusionsLow levels of physical activity, high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and low consumption of whole grain bread and insomnia during adolescence were associated with psychological distress in young adulthood.
Highlights
In this study, we examined the relationship between low levels of physical activity, high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and low consumption of whole grain bread and experiencing insomnia in adolescence and psychological distress in young adults
No significant association between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and depression risk was found in a prospective cohort study (10-year follow-up) among Spanish students, but the results indicated that the consumption of sugar and overall low carbohydrate quality was associated with an increased risk of depression [21]
Our main findings indicate that unhealthy lifestyle behaviours, including low levels of physical activity, high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, low consumption of whole grain bread and insomnia in adolescence, increase the risk of psychological distress in young adulthood by 3 to 6 % points
Summary
We examined the relationship between low levels of physical activity, high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and low consumption of whole grain bread and experiencing insomnia in adolescence and psychological distress in young adults. The prevalence of mental disorders has been associated with increased rates of mortality [1] and disabilityadjusted life years [2]. Common mental disorders, such as depressive disorders and anxiety disorders, are highly prevalent among young adults in their 20 s, and those suffering from a mental disorder in their 20 s have an increased risk of experiencing a mental disorder later in life [3]. A recent population-based prospective study among Canadian children and adolescents confirmed that adherence to lifestyle recommendations developed to promote physical health in children and prevent chronic diseases later in life had short-term benefits for mental health and may reduce the future burden of mental illness [8]. Most previous studies examining the association between lifestyle behaviours and psychological distress have been cross-sectional, and few studies have examined the longitudinal relationship between adolescence and young adulthood
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