0141

DIETARY HABITS AND RELATED FACTORS OF CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS IN SHANGHAI

Sun Jianqin, Shen Xiuhua, Chen Wufeng, Du Liqin, Gu Weixong, Jin Huifang, Gao Ming

Department of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai Second Medical University, Shanghai China

Objective: To investigate diet habits and related factors of children and teenagers in Shanghai in order to promote appropriate diets and healthy lifestyle.

Methods: 2569 children and teenagers from kindergarten and schools and their parents were selected by random sampling approach. Data regarding food pre, snack and fast food, soft drinking, food preparation and purchasing were obtained by questionnaire. Database was generated by EPI info 6.02 and analyzed by SAS software.

Results: 91.8% of children and 68% of teenagers had particular food preference. Majority of them had snack habits, and like coke more than other soft drinks. 93% children and 89% teenagers had breakfast every day, 2.6 items used for breakfast, about 34% subjects had cereal, 32% had milk, and 21% had eggs, only 5% of subjects took fruit and vegetable for breakfast. 34% children and 39% teenagers didn’t drink milk daily, the reasons for it were dislike milk taste (40%), no milk available (17%), uncomfortable after drinking milk (8.5%). Factors influencing food choice of children were taste, smell, and color of food, while teenagers concerned taste, nutritional value and health benefits more often when they choose food. Food was mostly prepared by mother (60%), mean criteria for parents making food for their children were freshness, nutritive vale and food hygiene, Lower income families (monthly income <=2000 RMB) concern food price more than higher income families. About 45% parents forced children to eat particular food, 87% of children and 60% teenagers obeyed the orders from parents.

Conclusion: Children and teenagers in Shanghai had relatively positive attitude toward diet habits, but dietary practice still need be improved and fostered through health education programs from different channels.