National dietary survey on the children population in the Republic of North Macedonia

Abstract

This National Dietary Survey, first in kind in the Republic of North Macedonia, provided a base for collection of accurate and reliable dietary data on food consumption and other information about eating habits in toddlers and children. Data on 1079 children at the age of one to nine years old were obtained in line with the “Guidance on EU Menu methodology” provided by the European Food Safety Authority and it will be included in the EFSA Comprehensive European Food Consumption Database. The survey was funded through an EFSA procurement contract and included in the EU Menu Project. The pilot study was performed prior to the data collection process. For the purposes of data collection process, three-stage random probability sampling was used according to the latest “Assessment of population” by State Statistical Office. Within the fieldwork data on the foods consumed as well as the food habits was collected for 534 toddlers (1-3 years old) and 545 other children aged 3-9 years old. Overall response rate in the survey was 85%. Data collection period was divided into four quarters (3-monthly samples) with equal distribution of weekdays and weekend days. Two non-consecutive food diaries were implemented to collect the information about the food consumption, as well as the food propensity questionnaire about the habitual food intake. Information about breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices, food allergies, and food supplements consumption was also collected. Food items consumed were coded according to the FoodEx2 classification. Diet Assess & Plan (DAP) software was used for dietary intake data collection and assessment. Anthropometry measurements of body weight and height/length were performed to assess the current anthropometric characteristics on nutritional status and the children’s trends of growth.