Hamulka Jadwiga, Gutkowska Krystyna, Czarniecka-Skubina Ewa
Department of Human Nutrition, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, University of Life Sciences (SGGW-WULS), Warsaw, Poland.
Department of Food Market and Consumer Research, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, University of Life Sciences (SGGW-WULS), Warsaw, Poland.
Ann Agric Environ Med. 2024 Jun 27;31(2):227-238. doi: 10.26444/aaem/176350. Epub 2024 Jan 16.
Primary school pupils aged 10-12 years constitute an interesting consumer group due to their greater autonomy in the area of nutrition, compared to the younger group of children, among other things, due to their 'pocket money' and the greater influence of their peer group. However, this is an age group at high risk of inadequate nutrition, eating disorders, including those related to obesity and underweight. Hence, the aim of the study was to explore the attitudes of pupils aged 10-12 years towards food and nutrition.
A qualitative study was conducted using the Focus Group Interview (FGI) technique among 84 primary school pupils from different localities in Poland.
Pupils had moderate knowledge of food and nutrition but did not consistently apply this knowledge in practice. Four pupils' profiles were identified, categorized as 'engaged,' 'obedient,' 'rebels,' and 'indifferent,' based on their level of involvement and awareness of proper nutrition. Lunch was the most regularly consumed meal, sometimes eaten twice a day (at school and at home), while first breakfast was skipped the most frequently, mainly because of lack of time and morning rush. Pupils accurately identified recommended and not recommended food products, but lacked an understanding of their importance for health. Pupils' emotional state increased the consumption of salty snacks, sweets, and fast food, and to a lesser extent, seeds, vegetables, and fruit. Pupils reported engaging in moderate physical activity, although they also spent a significant amount of time on the internet or watching TV.
Primary school pupils aged 10-12 years represented a relatively good level of knowledge about adequate nutrition; nevertheless, they did not follow these recommendations in practice.
10至12岁的小学生构成了一个有趣的消费群体，因为与年龄较小的儿童群体相比，他们在营养方面有更大的自主权，这尤其体现在他们有“零花钱”以及同伴群体的影响更大。然而，这个年龄段的儿童面临营养不足、饮食失调（包括与肥胖和体重过轻相关的问题）的高风险。因此，本研究的目的是探讨10至12岁小学生对食物和营养的态度。
采用焦点小组访谈（FGI）技术，对来自波兰不同地区的84名小学生进行了定性研究。
学生对食物和营养有一定的了解，但在实践中并未始终如一地应用这些知识。根据他们对合理营养的参与程度和认知水平，确定了四种学生类型，分别归类为“积极参与型”“顺从型”“叛逆型”和“冷漠型”。午餐是最常吃的一餐，有时一天吃两次（在学校和在家），而早餐经常被跳过，主要原因是时间不足和早晨匆忙。学生能够准确识别推荐和不推荐的食品，但对其对健康的重要性缺乏理解。学生的情绪状态会增加咸味零食、糖果和快餐的摄入量，在较小程度上也会增加种子、蔬菜和水果的摄入量。学生报告称进行适度的体育活动，尽管他们也花大量时间上网或看电视。
10至12岁的小学生对充足营养有相对较好的了解水平；然而，他们在实践中并未遵循这些建议。
