Evaluating nutrition, physical development and morbidity in primary school-aged children

Abstract

Aim. To explore the relationship of physical development and nutrition pattern in primary school-aged children.Materials and methods. 266 children have been examined for three years by means of the continuous sampling method. In order to study nutrition patterns, the questionnaire method was applied to the parents. Physical development was evaluated according to main anthropometric indicators with the identification of somatotype and degree of harmonious development. Morbidity was studied by extracting data from individual development histories.Results. The nutrition of primary schoolers is marked by a prevalence of carbohydrates, while the amount of protein and calcium-containing products is insufficient. The physical development is disharmonious in most cases, due to underweight (82% of children) and excess weight (8%). 24% of children have a postural abnormality, 15% – caries, 3% – endemic goiter, 45% suffer acute respiratory infections more than 4 times a year.Conclusions. Nutrition patterns in primary school-aged children are characterized by unbalanced diet, which contributes to disharmonious development and decreases stamina.