Relationship Between Eating Behaviors, Self Esteem and Academic Achievement among Lower Secondary School Students in Meru Klang, Malaysia

This study attempted to investigate the relationship between eating behaviors, self esteem and academic achievement among lower secondary school students. Cross sectional study was conducted among 274 respondents aged 13 to 15 years old. A questionnaire comprising sociodemographic items, Eating Behavior Patterns Questionnaire (EBPQ), Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale and exam result were taken. Significant relationship were found between low fat eating behavior with academic achievement with (p = 0.008). There was no significant association between meal skipping, emotional, snacking and convenience eating behavior and self esteem toward academic achievement with (p = 0.412) (p = 0.243) (0.05) and (p = 0.812), respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that student with low fat eating behavior is less likely to have low academic achievement. In conclusion, further research need to be done in order to explained in detail on these issues.