Determinants of Food Choice in a School Environment Bhatt Rashmi1,*, Madan Jagmeet2, Moitra Panchali3 1MSc. Specialized Dietetics, Department of Food Nutrition and Dietetics, Sir Vithaldas Thackersey College of Home Science (Autonomous), SNDT Women's University, Mumbai 2Principal and Professor, Department of Food Nutrition and Dietetics, Sir Vithaldas Thackersey College of Home Science (Autonomous), SNDT Women's University, Mumbai 3Assistant Professor, Department of Food Nutrition and Dietetics, Sir Vithaldas Thackersey College of Home Science (Autonomous), SNDT Women's University, Mumbai *Corresponding Author: Ms. Rashmi Bhatt, MSc. Specialized Dietetics, Department of Food Nutrition and Dietetics, Sir Vithaldas Thackersey College of Home Science (Autonomous), SNDT, Women's University, Mumbai. Email id - rashmibhatt198@gmail.com
Online published on 13 November, 2019. Abstract Aim The purpose of this study is to assess the consumption patterns of school canteen food among children aged 10–12 years in Mumbai city. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 children in the age group of 10–12 years to assess their food preferences in school canteen and tiffin through a self-administered questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were taken. 20 schools across Mumbai were randomly selected to assess the school food environment. The canteen food menu was recorded through observation and classified into HFSS and Healthy foods. Perceptions of canteen operators regarding healthy foods were assessed through interviews. Adherence to Government's guidelines for addressing the consumption of HFSS foods in schools was examined. Results Higher percentage of students from private schools are overweight or obese, as compared to government school students (p<0.005). 65% children carried HFSS foods in tiffin. A significant association was found between the frequency of eating at canteen and the type of school that the children belong to (p<0.005). 41.2% children who ate from the canteen more than 3 times a week were overweight. HFSS foods brought more sales to 78% of all participating schools. It was found that none of the 20 schools completely followed all the 7 guidelines addressing the consumption of HFSS foods in school canteens. Conclusion Easy availability and affordability of HFSS foods, combined with less availability of healthier food choices are contributing factors to increasing obesity among children. There is an urgent need for the enforcement of proper school canteen policies and modifications in the canteen services. Top Keywords Unhealthy foods, HFSS, school canteen, adolescents, food choice, obesity, government. Top |