engleski

ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITION HABITS OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

Introduction : Nutrition habits are formed in early children period and usually persist until the adult age. Unhealthy nutrition leads to a thickness that may make hypertension, hyperlipoproteinemia, glucose intolerance, which is associated with cardiovascular risk. Purpose: To evaluate distribution of weight and nutrition habits of preschool children. Material : In the cross-sectional study is included 265 children (136 boys-51, 3% and 129 girls- 48, 7%), average age 4+/- 7, 3 years, range of 3 to 5 years. Methods: We measured the subjects’ body weight (kg) and body height (cm), and determined the body mass index (kg/m2), that we compared with the CDC Growth Charts. By use of questionnaires we estimated weekly frequency of consumption of foods which we compared with the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Children. Results : Obesity have 15 (5, 6%) children, increased body weight have 29 (10, 9%) children. Proper eating habits have 114 (43, 1%) children, while 151 (56, 9%) children have inadequate nutrition habits, Chi- square 4, 89, P0, 05. Fruit consumed daily 143 (53, 9%) children, and vegetables consumed daily 129 (48, 7%) children. Whole milk regularly consumed 202 (76, 2%) children, while 63 (23, 7%) children generally consume milk with lower fat percentage. Products from whole grains daily consumed 85 (32%) children, while 180 (67, 9%) children consume a product of white flour. Basically 75 (28, 3%) children consuming chicken and turkey, 68 (25, 6%) children regularly consume fish, 190 (71, 6%) children usually prefer red meat. Cakes and desserts often consumed 168 (63, 3%) children. Conclusions : The study shows that a large number of preschool children have overweight and obesity, and unhealthy eating habits. By use of coordinated educational-intervention approach (parent, educator, health workers, social subjects and the mass media) it is possible to correct unhealthy nutrition habits and by adopting and practicing healthy nutrition habits it is possible to prevent cardiovascular risk on time.

evaluation; child; nutrition; habits; risk

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