Investigation of the Snack Behavior and Its Influencing Factors Among Children in Hefei

Objective To investigate the snack behaviors and the influencing factors,and to provide bases for the intervention measures.Methods A cluster sample of three kindergartens and three primary schools were chosen in Hefei.With a questionnaire,the children's snack behaviors and the influencing factors were surveyed.Data were analyzed with logistic regression analysis.Results 94.2% of them had the habit of having snacks.The category of favored snacks was approximately same in the preschool children and pupils.Mother bought the most snacks for the children.The proportions of the children who do not wash their hands before having snacks at family,kindergarten/school and other places were 30.3%,45.4% and 63.1%.The main factors children considered when selecting snacks were taste,packaging,nutrition,sanitation,award,brand and advertisement.Encouraging of snacks,storing snacks in the family,taste and packaging of snacks were the main factors contributing to the snack behaviors.Conclusion Family,school and society have great impact on the snack behavior of children.