HEALTH BEHAVIOR OF CHILDREN FROM RURAL AREAS OF THE ELBLĄG DISTRICT (IN POLAND) WITH REGARD TO FAT CONSUMPTION: A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Background. Health behavior is one of the main determinants of human health. As civilization progres ses, the lifestyles of adults, children and adolescents are changing with consequences for the health of specific population groups. Therefore, knowledge about human nutrition and lifestyle factors that affect human health is also constantly changing. The aim of the study was to assess the selected health behaviors using the exam ple of the frequency of consumption of food being a source of saturated fat by rural children. One of the aspects concerning health behavior, namely fat intake as a measure of the consumption of unhealthy food, especially in the case of overconsumption, was assessed using the food frequency questionnaire. The valida ted Block Screening Questionnaire for Fat Intake (BSQF) was used for the assessment. Results and conclusions. The studied group of children from rural areas of the Elbląg District (Po land) showed an average level of health behavior exemplified by fat intake. Further research monitoring the health-promoting behavior and attitudes of children in rural areas is useful and justified for the diagno sis of whether actions are necessary to promote the formation of attitudes and hierarchies of health values. In the light of the challenges relating to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), needs and trends of a hedonistic nature are important. These include, among other things, the issue of ensuring health and taking greater care of the mental and physical well-being of children and adults (families).