Knowledge, attitudes and influences related to food choices : a study of year 5 and year 6 primary state school children

Abstract

The study will cover the attitudes influences and knowledge of children, regarding food choices, in different locations in Malta. Observations of children packed lunches will be conducted in six state schools during the period October 2000 to May 2001. Two classes, a year 5 and a year 6 class, were studied in each school to get an indication of the nutritional value of the food consumed by these children. Each class will be observed four times. Moreover, a total number of 262 questionnaires will be distributed to the children's parents to discover their influences/knowledge towards healthy food. It was also necessary to find out children's eating habits in a non-school environment. A child from each class was interviewed so that more information about children's eating habits as well as their awareness on healthy food, will be discovered. The three research methods adapted in the study will help the researchers to triangulate the findings. The headteacher of each school was also interviewed to investigate whether the school is providing the education needed about the importance of eating healthy food. While keeping in mind that children need many different foods to provide the nutrients essential for growth, it emerged that children's lunches were not balanced. It was clear that children had preferences for particular food groups while avoiding other foods, which are a good source of carbohydrates and fibre.