Nutritional Status of Preschool Children in Military Families

Abstract

Recognizing the importance mat parents place on the health and well-being of their children in assessing the quality of life in the Armed Services, the Department of Defense became interested in obtaining baseline information about the nutritional status of preschoolers in military families. This study examined the diet and eating habits of three to five year old children who had an active duty military parent. A questionnaire was mailed to a world-wide stratified probability sample. Responses were received from over 4500 families. The majority of respondents reported “often”, “usually”, or “always” utilizing behaviors that, if followed on a long-term basis, would support a healthy diet (i.e., one with a lower fat and cholesterol content). Families of officers were more likely to engage in healthier habits than were those of junior or senior enlisted personnel. Although the majority of families reported that their child was meeting or exceeding the guidelines for the recommended number of servings from the meat/bean (91%), grain (91%), and fruit (85%) groups, fewer children consumed enough items from the milk (76%) or vegetable (50%) groups. Ninety-one percent of the respondents reported that their child consumed two or more snacks in a typical day. Slightly over half of the families reported that their child took some form of a multi-vitamin or vitamin/mineral supplement Dietetic practitioners and policy makers should continue to support efforts that positively impact on funding initiatives for nutrition programs and nutritional awareness among this vulnerable population. Recommendations for action will be provided as part of this presentation.