Nutritional Status, Mindfulness, and Academic Performance

Introduction

Academic performance is crucial for students' future educational endeavors. However, there has been a concerning decline over time. This study aimed to investigate the association between nutritional status, environmental factors, mindfulness, and academic performance among students at Bo Kluea School in Nan province, Thailand.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 350 students in grades 8-11 using questionnaires, measurements, and academic records. Results showed that female students performed significantly better academically compared to males (71.9% vs. 56.4% achieving good grades; p < 0.001, OR = 3.583, 95%CI = 1.663-7.719). Age, junk food consumption, BMI, and mindfulness were identified as factors influencing academic performance.

Results

Female students and those with normal waist circumference or good mindfulness were more likely to have a normal BMI (p = 0.019, OR = 1.794, 95%CI = 1.101-2.922). Positive attitudes towards nutrition were associated with better academic performance (60.1% achieving good grades; p = 0.044, AOR = 1.543, 95%CI = 1.010-2.356).

Conclusions

This study highlights the interconnectedness of these factors and their importance in improving academic results. Further research is need to confirm these findings and overcome study limitations.

Recommendations

• Teach healthy habits: schools should teach students how to eat better and stay focused.
• Practice mindfulness: schools could teach students simple ways to stay calm and focused.
• Encourage healthy eating: schools should encourage students to eat well.
• Keep studying: we need to keep learning more about how food, focus, and other things affect how well students do in school. This would help school better for everyone.