Prevalence of Vitamin A Deficiency in Children Aged 6 to 17 Years - Western and Central Rural Areas, China, 2012-2021.

What is already known about this topic?: Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a leading global nutritional concern, ranking among the top four major nutritional deficiencies worldwide. The prevalence of VAD is unevenly distributed across various regions, both within China and globally. What is added by this report?: The report adds valuable insights into the vitamin A nutritional status of rural students aged 6-17 years who participated in the Nutrition Improvement Programme for Rural Compulsory Education Students (NIPRCES). Over the decade from 2012 to 2021, there was a modest improvement in vitamin A status. The prevalence of VAD and sub-clinical VAD (SVAD) declined as the students aged. Throughout the majority of the survey years, the incidence of VAD was higher among males and western regions compared to females and central regions, respectively. What are the implications for public health practice?: A comprehensive approach, incorporating dietary diversification, nutrition education, and food fortification, should be implemented to prevent VAD and SVAD especially in males, younger children and children in western areas.

Variations in Rope Skipping Counts Among Rural Primary and Secondary School Students - China, 2013-2021.

What is already known about this topic?: Physical fitness is closely associated with children's development. Limited research has been published on the changes in physical fitness among Chinese children during the implementation of the Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students (NIPRCES). What is added by this report?: This research utilized data from the NIPRCES between 2013 and 2021 to examine alterations in children's physical fitness levels. Over this period, there was a significant increase in the number of rope skipping counts among children. In 2021, variations in these counts were observed, which depended on factors such as age, gender, geographic location, and region. What are the implications for public health practice?: Physical fitness has been linked to a multitude of non-communicable diseases. Enhanced nutritional measures for children lead to significant improvements in their overall physical fitness, as evidenced by NIPRCES findings. It is crucial for policymakers to implement comprehensive interventions aimed at promoting and advancing children's physical fitness.

Frequency of Food Consumption Among Students Aged 8-15 Years - China, 2019 and 2021.

What is already known about this topic?: Malnutrition continues to be the primary cause of delayed growth and development among students in economically disadvantaged rural areas of China. Ensuring adequate and appropriate dietary intake is crucial for promoting the healthy growth of these students. What is added by this report?: In rural areas of central and western regions in China, the weekly consumption frequencies of meat, eggs, milk, legumes, fruits, and vegetables in 2021 were higher than those in 2019. However, the consumption levels remained relatively low in economically underdeveloped rural areas in 2021. What are the implications for public health practice?: Understanding the frequency of food consumption among students can provide a solid evidence base for the development of policies and strategies aimed at controlling and preventing malnutrition.

Perceptions of Primary Caregivers on Children's Weight Status Versus Actual Weight Status in Children Aged 6-15 Years - China, 2021.

What is already known about this topic?: Childhood obesity has been linked to adverse health outcomes during both childhood and adulthood. An accurate understanding of children's weight status by primary caregivers is essential for effective weight management strategies. What is added by this report?: The data utilized in this study were obtained from the 2021 Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students in China. It was found that over one-third of primary caregivers underestimated their children's weight status, and more than half of the primary caregivers of overweight or obese children underreported the weight status of those children. A low level of agreement was observed between primary caregivers' perceptions of their children's weight status and the actual weight status. What are the implications for public health practice?: There is a relatively higher underestimation of children's weight in China, which necessitates more effective strategies to enhance the primary caregivers' perception of their children's weight status, especially in primary caregivers of males, younger children and children in urban areas.