Children’s consumption of snacks at school in Mauritius

Abstract

PurposeThe snacking habits of children can be a cause for concern. Little research has been undertaken on the snacking habits of Mauritian schoolchildren. This study was conducted to identify the popular snacks upper primary schoolchildren (8‐12 year old) buy at school. It also aimed at determining the factors that influenced children’s purchase of snacks.Design/methodology/approachTwelve primary schools were selected using stratified random sampling. Thirty children from each school were involved. Data collection methods included an interviewer‐administered questionnaire and observation of schoolchildren’s snacking habits during lunch‐time. Canteen sellers were also interviewed to gather information about the most popular snacks and their cost.FindingsFindings revealed that most of the popular snacks were high in sugar, fat, energy or salt. Snacking habit of schoolchildren was significantly associated with age and gender (p<0.05). Children’s snacking habit seemed to be largely influenced by the cost of snacks, their taste and availability, and the amount of pocket money.Originality/valuePrevious studies on snacking habits have focused on lower primary schoolchildren (5‐7 year old) and adolescents, while this study has focused on the upper primary schoolchildren (8‐12 year old). The findings provide a sound basis for health and education authorities to develop a national policy on the sale of nutritious foods in primary school canteens.