Focus on dietary behaviors and health among school aged children in western China / 中国学校卫生

ABSTRACT

Abstract@#Children s school aged time is the key period for the formation of dietary behaviors and the dietary behaviors is affected by economic, social, cultural, family, and personal factors. Due to economic, geographical, and food culture reasons, there exists several nutritional problems in western China, such as lack of nutrition health education and poor food environment. These problems may lead to suboptimal dietary behaviors of school aged children, including but not limited to having single breakfast food and unhealthy snacks and drinks. The unhealthy dietary behaviors may further hinder the growth of children in western China. Experiences and lessons should be drawn from various effective interventions developed in other regions in China. It is necessary to develop a local adapted comprehensive intervention program which incorporates the aspects of policies and laws, nutritious meals, school nutrition health education, and social nutrition health atmosphere.