Study On Food Selection among Children Aged 10-12 in Chengdu

Objective To investigate situation of food selection among children aged 10-12 in Chengdu so as to develop effective intervention measures for childhood nutrition. Methods By cluster sampling method,303 pupils aged 10-12 from the 5th grade of a primary school in Chengdu were selected and surveyed about food preference with questionnaire. The extent and characters of favorite or disliking foods were analyzed in groups. Results More than 90% students had food selection trend. The tendency of preference to vegetables and meats was more obvious than to other foods. For vegetables 57.1% students liked and 64.0% disliked,while for meats 53.5% liked and 22.1% disliked. However,percentage of preference to milk,egg or legume was 22.1%,9.6% and 0.7%. Except for meats and eggs,no significant difference of food selection was found between boys and girls. Conclusion Most children show food selection trend,which doesn't benefit growth and health. Thus,effective nutrition intervention should be developed to help children form healthy diet habits.