Abstract
Background: Depression and anxiety have increased 3% between 2016 and 2020 in children and adolescents, continuing an upward trend that is already decades long, and posing a significant public health concern. Limited mental health resources exacerbate the issue, necessitating a focus on preventive measures. Research suggests that a dietary pattern rich in omega-3 fatty acids has a positive effect on depression and anxiety symptoms, inviting the question of whether it has potential as a preventive measure, especially in young children, whose brains are still developing. This study investigates the potential relationship between regular trout intake and emotional wellbeing in children ages 4-6 years. Objective: Determine the effect of a trout dietary intervention on fear, anger and sadness behaviors in children ages 4-6.
Study Design, Settings, Participants: This 12-week longitudinal observational study recruited children from Latah County childcare facilities. Data collection involved baseline demographic information, trout consumption habits, and emotional wellbeing assessments. The NIH toolbox® for the Assessment of Neurological and Behavioral Function (NIHTB), focusing on negative affect, measured emotional outcomes. Dietary intervention included a weekly trout tasting activity.
Measurable outcome/analysis: Descriptive statistics were reported for this thesis. R software and Excel were used for data manipulation and analysis.
Results: 50 children completed the study, with 76% of subjects consuming an average weekly intake of less than 0.5 ounces of trout. 35 out of 50 parents completed an emotional well-being assessment at the beginning and end of the study. 57% of children had a decrease in emotional-wellbeing scores between the beginning and end of the study. 69% of children with completed emotional well-being assessments had a weekly average intake of less than 0.5 ounces of trout, 14% had a moderate average intake and 17% had a high average intake.
Conclusion: With most subjects consuming a low weekly average intake of trout, no significance can be attributed to any emotional well-being outcomes. Future research will need to focus on methodological approaches to encourage increased trout intake to meet a meaningful threshold.