Effect of socio-demographic Factors and Dietary Behavior on psychological well-being, and mental distress among Adolescents in Benghazi

Abstract

Despite the growing awareness of the importance of nutrition for overall health, the relationship between dietary habits and mental well-being in adolescents remains understudied. This gap in knowledge poses a significant concern, as adolescence is a critical period for developing healthy eating patterns and reducing the risk of mental health issues. This study is aimed to investigate the associations between adolescents’ dietary behaviors, psychological well-being, and levels of mental distress in Benghazi, Libya. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed, involving 391 students (189 (48.6%) boys, 202 (51.4%) girls) from 7 randomly selected secondary schools. Data collection utilized structured questionnaires assessing dietary patterns, psychological well-being, and mental distress indicators.  The study revealed a significant association between dietary habits and adolescent mental health outcomes. Regular breakfast consumption, correlated positively with perceived health and sleep satisfaction (P-value 0.000). However, no significant associations were found between happiness and fruit, soft drinks, or fast-food consumption. Higher physical activity levels were consistently linked with better mental well-being (P-value 0.000), while gender differences were evident in stress and depression prevalence. Balanced eating—especially frequent breakfast—and regular physical activity are strongly linked to better psychological well-being and lower mental distress in Libyan adolescents. Nutrition interventions promoting these behaviors may help mitigate the risk of stress and depression during this critical developmental stage.