Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: October-December | Volume: 4 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 102-112
Comparison of Snacking Behavioral Pattern between Government School and Private School Going Children Aged (10-17 Years Old) and Assessment of Their Nutritional Status
Vasanthi Kandukuri1, Varsha Peram2
1M.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics, Final Year Student, Madina Degree and P.G College for Women, Affiliated to Osmania University, Hyderabad.
2Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Madina Degree &P.G College for Women, Hyderabad.
Corresponding Author: Vasanthi Kandukuri
ABSTRACT
Background: Commercially available snacks are loaded with calories, extra sugar, salt and most of them are deep fried. The aim of the present study was to assess the nutritional status and compare snacking behaviour pattern between children studying in Zilla Parishad High School (Government aided School) vs. Private schools aged (n=200, 10-17 years old).
Methods: Data was collected by using a pre-designed questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were recorded and compared against the standard Z-score.
Results: According to BMI for age parameter 56% of girls and 42% of boys from Government school and 32% of girls and 52% of boys from Private school, fall under the Normal weight category. Severe wasting was observed in 24% of boys and 6% of girls in the Government school set-up. It was observed that 10% of girls from private schools are obese. Government school children reported to consume snacks twice in a day, 34% in girls and 30% in boys respectively. Whereas in children belonging to private schools , the percentage increased to 50% in girls and 58% in boys which could be attributed to the higher purchasing capacity.
Chi square test reveals a significant difference in stress induced snack intake between Government School children vs. Private school children with values ranging from 54% of girls and 66% of boys reporting the intake in Private Schools.
Conclusions: The snacks consumed by children contribute to excess fat intake followed by Sodium, Energy and inadequate amounts of micro nutrients. It was concluded that unhealthy snacking pattern was observed equally in Government and Private school children and creating a healthy meal and snack pattern can help them to consume nutritious food throughout the day and thereby reduce the incidence of childhood obesity.
Keywords: Children; Schools; Snacks; Stress, healthy, nutrients.