The specificity of schoolchildren’s eating habits in Moscow and Murmansk

• A.A. Alexandrov
• G.I. Poryadina
• M.B. Kotova
• E.I. Ivanova

Abstract

Objective of the study is to evaluate the specificity of schoolchildren’s eating behavior in the cities оf Moscow and Murmansk. Dietary habits of 785 children 10–17 years old residing in two cities – Moscow (222 boys and 221 girls, 14,1Ѓ}1,9 years old) and Murmansk (183 and 159 correspondingly, 14,1Ѓ}1,8 years old) – were analyzed. The questionnaire included data on the meals ratio per day, frequency of vegetables and fruit intake, fast-food intake, hot meals, soft drinks, meat, fish and milk intake, usage of school cafeteria, regularity of breakfasts. Parents responded to questions concerning the material support of family and education. It was found that more than half of schoolchildren (64,4%) had meals irregularly (3 times per day or less), only 50,9% received hot meals several times a day. Every third child (31,6%) has insufficient intake of vegetables and fruit, 11,8% – insufficient intake of meat dishes. Only 51,4% of schoolchildren consumed dairy products daily (one or several times a day). At the same time 19,5% of children used fast-food products several times a week or more often, 42,2% – carbonated drinks, and 22,7% – smoked food. Only 45,7% of schoolchildren regularly ate at school cafeteria; 21,9% did it irregularly and 32,5% – did not attend school canteen at all.

There were no significant differences between Moscow and Murmansk children as well as gender differences in the usage of school cafeteria. At the same time only 23,4% of children [26,3% in Moscow and 19,3% in Murmansk (significantly less, p=0,032)] liked cafeteria food, 38,7% did not like and 37,9% had no certain answer. Less obese children (54,0%) have breakfast everyday than children with normal weight (75,4%, p=0,019). Children of mothers with high and incomplete high education (89,4%) have more regular meat intake (3–4 times per week or more often) than the children of mothers with secondary, incomplete secondary and secondary special education (81,9%, p=0,034). Schoolchildren feeding is often irregular, irrational and poorly balanced. Some of examined schoolchildren already had excessive body mass (20,7%), that may lead to metabolic and cardiovascular disturbances in young adult and mature age.

Keywords:ration, frequency of consumption, schoolchildren, adolescents

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