Eating habits and food consumption frequency of some food groups of students aged 12 - 15 years in Thuy Nguyen, Hai Phong in 2019

Abstract

Eating habits are a critical part of life because they can affect long - term health. A descriptive cross - sectional study was conducted on 1588 students aged 12 - 15 years in Hai Phong in May 2019 with indirect interview using self - administered questionnaire with questions regard the eating habits and food consumption frequency of some food groups. There were 29.6% of students reported that they skipped at least one meal a day. Breakfast was the most frequently skipped meal. Students aged 13 and 14, with parents’ occupations such as farmers, employees, and freelancers, and those whose Z-score BMI >+1 are statistically associated with skipping meals. Fruits and vegetables were food that likely to be consumed every days. Some students still consumed alcohol. There should be communication programs for parents, students, school to understand the benefit of having a healthy diet and consuming healthy food as well.