Evaluation of nutritional status and health behaviors in schoolchildren from San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina

Abstract

Introduction: Childhood and adolescence are crucial stages of life in which the habits that will be sustained in the development towards adulthood begin to form and acquire. Objectives: To determine the nutritional status and health behaviors of students in schools and municipal gardens of San Miguel de Tucumán. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out. The sample was made up of schoolchildren from 3 to 18 years of age of both sexes (1239). The variables studied were age, sex, eating habits, sedentary lifestyle, weight, height, and body mass index. The students were weighed and measured and the data was taken from a structured survey. At the initial and primary level, a personal interview was carried out. Children under 6 years of age were surveyed together with their parents or caregivers, who collaborated in the responses. At the secondary level, the questionnaire was selfadministered. Authorization was requested from older students and in the case of minors, informed consent was requested from parents. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 25.6% and 22.2% respectively. During the last month 85.6% of the students consumed sugary drinks 1 or more times a day, 19.8% consumed vegetables at lunch and dinner, 57.9% included less than two fruits a day. 73% consumed less than 3 servings a day of dairy and 14% included 8 glasses of water daily. Conclusions: Sedentary lifestyle, excess weight and inadequate eating habits were observed in relation to the recommendations of the new “Dietary Guidelines for the Argentine population”, which can lead to the appearance of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases more rapidly. This information is useful for knowing the current situation of municipal schools and executing health promotion policies in the school environment.