Breakfast frequency and its association with academic performance in a university population: a cross-sectional analytical study in Mexico

Abstract

Introduction: A complete breakfast is an important mealtime that has multiple health benefits and a determining role in the supply of essential nutrients, depending on its composition. It also contributes to the physical and intellectual performance of students and promotes the correct daily energy distribution, which is related to overweight and obesity. The objective of this research was to identify the frequency of breakfast and its relationship with academic performance in university students. Methodology: Cross-sectional, analytical study with convenience sampling, including university students from different academic fields at the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, México, who were administered a questionnaire on eating habits, academic habits, and anthropometric measurements. Results: A total of 498 university students (255 men and 244 women) participated. School breakfast influenced academic performance. Those who always ate breakfast (21%) had higher scores (median: 9, RIC: 8-9) than those who never ate breakfast (2.4%) and almost never (11%), with lower scores between 8-7. Subjects who never eat breakfast are 6.8 times more likely to have worse academic performance (OR=6.88, 95%CI: 1.42-33.32). Conclusions: Breakfast frequency is associated with academic performance.