The attitudes and habits of Serbian schoolchildren in consumption of meat

Abstract

The goal of this paper was to explore attitudes and habits of Serbian schoolchildren in consumption of meat. Survey was conducted using self-administrated questionnaire, on a sample of 228 schoolchildren from 7 to 18 years of age, divided into three class groups (I group - from I-IV and II group from V-VIII - Primary school; III group from I-IV - High school). The results showed that all examined schoolchildren had habit to eat meat, except one of them. In regard to the preference, meat and meat products as foodstuff were categorized among schoolchildren as 'much liked food' There was statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in explored attitude about consumption of chicken, pork, beef/veal, lamb and venison meat. Schoolchildren of all examined groups primarily consumed chicken meat, followed by pork, beef/veal, and lamb, and at the last place venison. Also, results show that most of schoolchildren usually eat meat prepared at home for one meal per a day, which is in accordance with recommendation provided by Gazette for nutrition of schoolchildren in children's institution of the Republic of Serbia. Responses to the question 'How often do you eat meat?' in 21.49% of total number indicated that eating habits in meat consumption may cause heart problems in schoolchildren population. Survey results showed that schoolchildren primarily eat meat prepared at home, in cooked dishes, as well as grilled or roasted meats. Small percentage (2.68%) pointed that they consumed meat 'three times a day', while 18.86 % do it only once a week or once a month.