Alexandra C Manson1, Brittany J Johnson1, Dorota Zarnowiecki1, Rachel Sutherland2,3,4,5, Rebecca K Golley1. 1. Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA5001, Australia. 2. Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, NSW, Australia. 3. School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia. 4. Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia. 5. Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: School food intake of Australian children is not comprehensively described in literature, with limited temporal, nationally representative data. Greater understanding of intake at school can inform school-based nutrition promotion. This study aimed to describe the dietary intake of primary-aged children during school hours and its contribution to daily intake. DESIGN: This secondary analysis used nationally representative, cross-sectional data from the 2011 to 2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey. Dietary intake was assessed using validated 24-h dietary recalls on school days. Descriptive statistics were undertaken to determine energy, nutrients, food groups and food products consumed during school hours, as well as their contributions to total daily intake. Associations between school food intake and socio-demographic characteristics were explored. SETTING: Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Seven hundred and ninety-five children aged 5-12 years. RESULTS: Children consumed 37 % of their daily energy and 31-43 % of select nutrient intake during school hours, with discretionary choices contributing 44 % of school energy intake. Most children consumed less than one serve of vegetables, meat and alternatives or milk and alternatives during school hours. Commonly consumed products were discretionary choices (34 %, including biscuits, processed meat), bread (17 %) and fruit (12 %). There were limited associations with socio-economic position variables, apart from child age. CONCLUSIONS: Children's diets were not aligned with national recommendations, with school food characterised by high intake of discretionary choices. These findings are consistent with previous Australian evidence and support transformation of the Australian school food system to better align school food consumption with recommendations.
OBJECTIVE: School food intake of Australian children is not comprehensively described in literature, with limited temporal, nationally representative data. Greater understanding of intake at school can inform school-based nutrition promotion. This study aimed to describe the dietary intake of primary-aged children during school hours and its contribution to daily intake. DESIGN: This secondary analysis used nationally representative, cross-sectional data from the 2011 to 2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey. Dietary intake was assessed using validated 24-h dietary recalls on school days. Descriptive statistics were undertaken to determine energy, nutrients, food groups and food products consumed during school hours, as well as their contributions to total daily intake. Associations between school food intake and socio-demographic characteristics were explored. SETTING: Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Seven hundred and ninety-five children aged 5-12 years. RESULTS: Children consumed 37 % of their daily energy and 31-43 % of select nutrient intake during school hours, with discretionary choices contributing 44 % of school energy intake. Most children consumed less than one serve of vegetables, meat and alternatives or milk and alternatives during school hours. Commonly consumed products were discretionary choices (34 %, including biscuits, processed meat), bread (17 %) and fruit (12 %). There were limited associations with socio-economic position variables, apart from child age. CONCLUSIONS: Children's diets were not aligned with national recommendations, with school food characterised by high intake of discretionary choices. These findings are consistent with previous Australian evidence and support transformation of the Australian school food system to better align school food consumption with recommendations.
Entities:
Keywords:
Children; Discretionary foods; Energy intake; Energy-dense nutrient-poor; Primary school; School health
Authors: Astrid A M Poelman; Shadia Djakovic; Jessica E Heffernan; Maeva Cochet-Broch; Rebecca K Golley; David N Cox; Janne Beelen Journal: Nutrients Date: 2022-10-10 Impact factor: 6.706
Authors: Nuria Rico-Sapena; María Eugenia Galiana-Sánchez; Joaquín Moncho Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-03-20 Impact factor: 3.390