The contribution of nutrition and quality of sleep and happiness in under-five-year-old children

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the relation between happiness perception of children and quality of sleep, appetite, dietary intake and nutritional status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study evaluating happiness, quality of sleep, appetite, dietary intake and nutritional status in 296 Indonesian children less than five-years of age. RESULTS: There was no significant difference on perceived happiness between urban and rural areas (P = 0.087). The proportion of children that are perceived as happy by mothers (55.1%) is significantly higher (p < 0.001) as perceived as happy by fathers (50.7%). A significant lower dietary energy intake with a higher percentage of dietary protein to total energy intake was observed among those children that are perceived as happy. However, after adjusted to body weight, there was no significant difference in the amount of protein intake between those perceived as happy and unhappy. Amongst the nutritional status indicators, this study found a significantly higher Height-for-Age Z score among the children that perceived as happy. CONCLUSION: Height-for-age Z score and dietary protein intake in children aged 2–5 years are associated with quality of sleep and appetite, and may therefore affect children’s happiness. Not only parental care but also appropriate nutrient intakes influence the child’s happiness.