Volume 12, Issue 1 (2024)                   Health Educ Health Promot 2024, 12(1): 59-65 | Back to browse issues page


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1- Department of Biology, Faculty of ALMARGHITI, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco
Abstract:   (718 Views)
Aims: This study aimed to investigate the impact of specific socio-economic factors and eating habits on attention, working memory, and academic performance among high school students.
Instrument & Methods: The sample of this quantitative study comprised high school teenagers aged 15 to 22 years from both rural and urban areas. Eating habits were assessed using a questionnaire covering student demographics and dietary behaviors. Attention and working memory were evaluated using the computer-based Rey complex figure (RCF) test, while academic achievement was determined based on students' overall grades.
Findings: The results revealed correlations between certain dietary habits and RCF test parameters. Specifically, we observed a correlation between breakfast consumption frequency and attentional performance (χ2=6.599; p=0.037), as well as working memory (χ2=6.053, p=0.048). Additionally, we found associations between weekly consumption of fish and attentional performance, as well as between the consumption of milk and its derivatives, Argan oil, and attentional performance. Furthermore, a correlation was observed between weekly fruit consumption and students' memory performance.
Conclusion: Our findings underscore the significant impact of dietary habits on students' attention and working memory capacities. Adopting healthy eating habits enhances these neurocognitive skills, thereby contributing to improved academic success among adolescents.
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Article Type: Descriptive & Survey | Subject: Social Determinants of Health
Received: 2023/09/24 | Accepted: 2023/10/27 | Published: 2024/01/25
* Corresponding Author Address: Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, BP: 133, Kenitra, Morocco. Postal Code: 133 (abdechahid.loukili@uit.ac.ma)

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