Children's Food Consumption Research Articles

Disparities in Food Availability around Schools in a Large Brazilian City

The food environment around schools may influence the food consumption and health outcomes of children and adolescents. We conducted a cross-sectional exploratory census study in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil, to investigate the food environment in the neighborhoods of schools. Schools were classified according to administration (public/private), location (central/peripheral), and neighborhood socioeconomic vulnerability. The density of food stores around schools was divided into four categories: i) only or mainly selling unprocessed or minimally processed food, ii) mixed, iii) only or mainly selling ultra-processed food, and iv) supermarkets and hypermarkets. We calculated the Euclidian distances (m) from schools to each nearest establishment category and plotted circular buffers of 250, 500, and 1000 m radius around schools to evaluate the density of food stores inside the circular areas. A total of 316 schools and 4,690 establishments were included in the study. We found that the closest establishment category around schools was those selling only or mainly ultra-processed food. Schools were situated where there was a concentration of food stores; being in the central district was the most influential factor with regard to their presence around schools. Moreover, the density of food stores around schools decreased as the district's vulnerability increased. To fight against an obesogenic environment around schools, public policies are needed to regulate the commodities being sold nearby.

Processed meat products and snacks consumption in ADHD: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVEAttention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been linked to “unhealthy” food consumption, but the studies in this area are insufficient. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between ADHD/related symptoms and processed meat products and snack consumption.METHODSThis study was conducted on 390 children aged between 6 and 17 with 169 ADHD (38 Girls, 131 Boys) and 221 healthy controls (93 Girls, 128 Boys). Food consumption was evaluated by a modified food frequency questionnaire, including 18 food containing processed meat products and snacks. ADHD symptoms were evaluated by the teacher and parent Turgay DSM-IV-Based Child and Adolescent Disruptive Behavioral Disorders Screening and Rating Scale (T-DSM-IV-Scale) and Conners’ Rating Scale (CPRS, CTRS).RESULTSChildren with ADHD consumed more processed meat products, milk-based desserts, and chocolate-sweets than controls (p<0.05). A positive correlation was observed between the ADHD symptom scores and the consumption amount of all snacks, the amount of chocolate-sweets consumption, the frequency of consumption of sujuk, chocolate, jelly beans, sweets, cakes, and chocolate spread (p<0.05).CONCLUSIONChildren with ADHD consume more foods rich in saturated fat and sugar than their healthy peers. Processed food consumption of children with ADHD may be associated with ADHD symptoms.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children Consuming Junk Food

The current study is aimed at determining relationship between junk food consumption and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in school going children. Standard questionnaires for the diagnosis of ADHD, junk food consumption among children and their mothers during pregnancy and lactation were distributed among children and parents of enrolled students. Data retrieved was assessed for statistically significant associations.Parents of 84 students were contacted, of whom 47 were enrolled into the study. A total of 8 (17.02%) student were found to have ADHD, with a higher frequency in male students. Junk food consumption was found to have an association with ADHD. ADHD is a common finding in school going children of district Kohat. The frequency is particularly high in male children and is strongly associated junk food consumption.

Rural Midwestern Mexican Fathers’ Perspectives on Family Food, Mealtimes, and Physical Activity

ABSTRACT Two focus group interviews with eight low-income Mexican fathers in two communities in a rural Midwestern state explored fathers’ perceptions, behaviors, and roles related to child and family food consumption, mealtimes, and physical activity. On average, fathers were 34 years of age, had 10 years of formal education, and annual household incomes ranged from $36,250 to $46,249. Findings include the identification of fifteen themes through the process of thematic analysis that are organized by five thematic areas of interest (family food patterns, strategies for healthy eating, family roles in food shopping and preparation, family mealtimes, physical activity among families). Findings revealed ways fathers contributed to their children’s and families’ health and well-being, and challenges they faced. Health promotion efforts aimed at rural, low-income Mexican immigrant families can benefit from embracing fathers’ perspectives and how they influence the health and well-being of their children and families.

Prevalence of childhood obesity and its determinants among rural children of B G Nagara

Introduction: India is witnessing under nutrition as one of the major public health problem, however there exists a significant magnitude of overweight and obesity among children and adolescent. Childhood obesity has emerged as one of the global health problems as a result of high intake of calorie rich foods and low level of physical activity. Most of the studies are conducted at metropolitan cities with limited information on prevalence of childhood obesity in rural area. Aim and Objective: To determine the prevalence of obesity among school children in the age group of 6-12 years in rural Mandya. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted among 1328 students in the age group 6-12 years. The body mass index (BMI) for age charts were used to assess weight in relation to height as recommended by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 85th-95th percentile and ? 95th percentile specific for age and sex were used to define overweight and obesity respectively in children. Results and Conclusion: Data from 1288 students were included for analysis with the overall response rate of 96.98%. Out of 1288 participants 777 (60.3%) were boys, 511 (39.7%) were girls. The prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity was 54.9% (n=707), 1.8% (n=24) and about 1% (n=12) respectively. The prevalence was more towards pubertal age (10-12 years) than in early childhood. Childhood obesity was not associated with parental obesity or junk food consumption in children. To conclude, even though prevalence of childhood overweight /obesity was about 2.8%, it necessitates immediate action as it is accompanied by many non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Keywords: Prevalence, Childhood obesity, Overweight, School children, BMI, Junk food.

Seasonal Change, Fishing Revenues, and Nutrient Intakes of Fishers’ Children in Davao Gulf, Philippines

Monsoons affect the Philippines’ weather and climate in different regions during the year, which leads to significant changes to coastal ecosystems. Specifically, while the northeast monsoon (NEM) season brings less rainfall the succeeding dry summer season becomes relatively hotter and drier. Maintaining a healthy coastal habitat is critical because it is the main source of income, food, and nutrition for many households, especially children. Hence, this study examined 270 fishing households – including 315 children – to assess if there were significant changes in fish catch and revenues during the NEM and summer seasons and how these changes affected food consumption and nutrient intakes of children in a marine protected area (MPA) in Davao Gulf. The study found that catch per unit (CPUE) effort levels and fishing revenues were higher in the NEM as compared to the summer season. Moreover, food consumption and nutrient intakes of children were significantly reduced from NEM to the summer season and were also insufficient in both seasons, according to the Philippine Dietary Reference Intakes (PDRI) standards. Thus, while issues regarding micro and macronutrient deficiencies of children in the coastal areas should be addressed, more focused intervention is needed during the summer season. Furthermore, tourism-based services such as recreational and site-seeing activities can be an option to provide more livelihood and income opportunities for fishers. However, if possible, such activities should be intensified during the summer season because children are more vulnerable due to their relatively more inadequate food and nutrient intakes.

“Healthy”, “usual” and “convenience” cooking practices patterns: How do they influence children's food consumption?

This study identified adults' cooking practices patterns and tested their associations with children's consumption of ultra-processed foods. Cross-sectional study conducted with 551 adult-child pairs from São Paulo, Brazil. Children's food consumption was collected through dietary recalls. Adults' cooking practices were identified using a questionnaire developed for the Brazilian's context. Principal Component Analysis has been employed to identify cooking patterns and linear regression models (crude and adjusted for sociodemographic variables) have been used to test associations between pattern's scores and contribution of ultra-processed foods to total energy at dinners. Three cooking patterns were identified: “Healthy”, “Usual” and “Convenience”. The first two patterns reflected behaviors of people who mostly cook “from scratch”. Only the Healthy pattern (confidence to cook several meals using fresh foods and natural seasonings; healthier cooking techniques) was inversely associated with ultra-processed food consumption (β = −4.1; p = 0.002), whereas the Convenience pattern (less frequency and time to cook, using microwave and ready-to-heat meals) was positively associated with (β = 3.6; p = 0.008). Our results suggest that cooking at home, as an isolated action, is not enough to protect the consumption of ultra-processed foods. To promote healthy eating among children, the adults' cooking practices should be aligned with the preparation of meals made “from scratch”, taking into account the healthiness of what is being cooked.

Is there any difference in fast food consumption between children with different obesity status in Ardabil-Iran?

ObjectiveChanging your lifestyle today has led to changing dietary patterns and greater use of fast foods. This causes changes in the health status of individuals in the community that need to be examined. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the fast food consumption in children with different obesity status in Ardabil primary schools. MethodsThis descriptive and analytical study was done among 600 children 7–12 years old. Demographic and anthropometric information were obtained using Questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Data were analyzed using logestic regression and T-test. ResultsThe mean age of children in this study was 8.35 ± 1.28. About 400 (66.7%) children had normal weight and 33 (5.5%) children were obese. Approximately 20% (115 subject) had malnutrition or were at risk of malnutrition. The average daily calorie intake of students was 1665.2 ± 100.31 kcal. There was a significant difference in intake of sausages between children with different body mass index. (p < 0.05). Intake of sausage, fruit leather, gummi candy, chips and puffcorn in malnourished children were more than other students (p < 0.05). The amount of consumption of sausages and Pizza in children that had 5 family numbers, were more than other students (p < 0.05). ConclusionThere is a significant difference in the amount of fast foods consumed between children with difference obesity status. The fast food consumption in households with large family number is more than other households.

Sleep, social behaviour and food consumption of schoolchildren of a large Brazilian city.

To explore the impact of inadequate sleep and associated factors on the social behaviour and food consumption of children and adolescents. Cross-sectional study. Sleep information, social behaviour (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire), food consumption, demography, nutritional status, lifestyle, and biochemical tests were investigated. School children in the 4th grade of the municipal school system of a large Brazilian city. Of a total of 797 schoolchildren, 50·9 % were female, with a median age of 9·7 (9·5-10·0) years old and an energy consumption of 7613·6 (5982·7-9766·2) kJ. It was determined that 31·6 % were overweight, and 76·8 % reported insufficient weekly practice of physical activity. A median of 9·6 (8·9-10·5) h of sleep (lower values on weekdays: 9·3 v. 10·5 h, P < 0·001) was recorded. In addition, 27 % of the individuals who experienced inadequate sleep (<9 h) engaged in longer screen time daily (≥2 h/d) (P = 0·05), had an inadequate bedtime (> 22 h) or adequate wake-up time (5-7 h), studied in the morning (P < 0·001) and never took a shower before school (P < 0·001). Of the entire sample, 9·9 % had poor or very poor sleep quality and a greater probability of sleep talking regularly, had difficulty falling asleep, and engaged in inadequate social behaviour while experiencing these conditions compared with those with positive sleep quality. There was no association between sleep and the other variables investigated. Sleep impairment contributed to changes in sleep and social behaviour in schoolchildren. The findings of this study may reinforce the importance of developing actions to promote adequate sleep and a healthy lifestyle at school age.

Ultra-processed food consumption, appetitive traits and BMI in children: a prospective study.

This study aimed to investigate the association of ultra-processed food consumption at 4 and 7 years of age with appetitive traits at 7 years and BMI at 10 years of age. Participants were 1175 children of the population-based birth cohort Generation XXI, who provided food diaries and complete data on socio-demographic variables, anthropometric measures and the Portuguese Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (P-CEBQ). Foods were grouped according to NOVA classification into: 'unprocessed, minimally or moderately processed, and culinary preparations'; 'processed' and 'ultra-processed'. To assess tracking of groups' consumption, Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated. Generalised linear models were fitted to test main associations, mediators and interactions among the variables. Ultra-processed consumption exhibited a fair level of stability between ages 4 and 7 years (r 0·34; ICC = 0·32; 95 % CI 0·25, 0·39), corresponding, respectively, to 27·3 % (1881·9 (SD 908·8) kJ/d) and 29·3 % (2204·5 (SD 961·1) kJ/d) of total energy intake. After adjusting for maternal and child characteristics, higher ultra-processed consumption at 4 years was associated directly with 'Food Responsiveness' (β = 0·019; 95 % CI 0·007, 0·037) and indirectly through energy intake with avoidant traits: 'Food Fussiness' (β = -0·007; 95 % CI 0·002, 0·012) and 'Satiety Responsiveness' (β = -0·007; 95 % CI 0·003, 0·012). Ultra-processed consumption at 4 years old was associated with BMI at 10 years old, but appetitive behaviours were not powerful mediators of this association. The results suggest a path by which ultra-processed products may impact on later appetitive traits and higher BMI in children.

The Implementation of Balanced Nutrition Using “Piring Makanku” on Food Consumption of Orphanage Children in Makassar City

BACKGROUND: Compliance with food-based dietary guidelines has been known delivered positive effect on nutrition and public health.&#x0D; AIM: This study aimed to assess the implementation of balanced nutrition using piring makanku on food consumption of orphanage children.&#x0D; METHODS: This study design was quasi-experimental with a non-random pretest-posttest with a control group. A total of 30 samples in each group were selected purposively, the treatment group was given nutrition education and piring makanku while the control group was given nutrition education only. Data collected include subject characteristics, nutritional status, and the use of piring makanku (compliance, practice, and portion acceptability). Statistical analysis used t-test for paired and non-paired groups.&#x0D; RESULTS: The results showed that there were significant differences in both groups after the intervention. Statistically significant results on food consumption in the treatment group included energy (p = 0.002), protein (p = 0.000), and carbohydrate (p = 0.024), whereas in the control group statistically significant on protein (p = 0.002) and fat (p = 0.005). Moreover, there were no significant differences between study groups after the intervention, while there was a significant difference in mean scores of protein and fat intake between groups after the intervention.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the two forms of intervention in this study had almost the same effect on the subject’s consumption, except for protein and fat intake. As a vulnerable group, children of orphanages need to pay attention to their nutritional and health conditions. In addition, campaign of isi piringku using piring makanku needs to be made in the form of lunch boxes to school.

Mothers' Income and Young Adult Children's Education and Fast Food Intake.

Objectives: In this study, we examine young adult children's educational attainment as a mediator in the pathway from their mother's income to their fast food consumption. Methods: The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 (NLSY79) and the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 79 for Children and Young Adults (NLSY79 CY) were used to select mother and children dyads. A total of 5140 dyads were selected as the final sample. We used a mediation model to test mediators in the relationship between mother's income and young adult children's fast food consumption. Results: Mother's income was significantly related to their young adult children's educational attainment. Mother's income was negatively related to fast food consumption. This study revealed partial mediation of the relationship between mother's income and their young adult children's fast food consumption via their young adult children's educational attainment. Conclusions: A new perspective considering mother's economic resources is needed to understand children's education. Mother's income is important to cultivate their young adult children's health behaviors. The intergenerational transmission of mother's economic resources to their young adult children's educational attainment should be considered to understand young adults' fast food consumption.

Nudging children toward healthier food choices: An experiment combining school and home gardens

School gardens have become a widely used approach to influence children's food knowledge, preferences and choices in low- and high-income countries alike. However, evidence indicates that such programs are more effective at influencing food knowledge and preferences than actual food choices. Such finding may occur because school gardens insufficiently influence the food behavior of parents and because healthy food items are not always available in children's homes. We tested this hypothesis using a one-year cluster randomized controlled trial in Nepal with 15 treatment and 15 control schools and a matched sample of 779 schoolchildren (aged 8–12) and their caregivers. Data were collected before and after the intervention during the 2018–2019 school year. In addition, children's food consumption was monitored using a monthly food logbook. Average treatment effects were quantified with a double-difference estimator. For caregivers, the intervention led to a 26% increase in their food and nutrition knowledge (p < 0.001), a 5% increase in their agricultural knowledge (p = 0.022), a 10% increase in their liking for vegetables (p < 0.001), and a 15% increase in home garden productivity (p = 0.073). For children, the intervention had no discernible effect on food and nutrition knowledge (p = 0.666) but led to a 6% increase in their liking for vegetables (p = 0.070), healthy food practices (p < 0.001), and vegetable consumption (October–December +15%; p = 0.084; January–March +26%; p = 0.017; April–June +26%; p = 0.088). The results therefore indicate both schools and parents matter for nudging children toward healthier food choices.

Norwegian parents' views on nutrition policy measures and responsibility

Abstract Background Norwegian nutrition policy has during the last 50 years shifted from a focus on state concerns over the common good and social welfare towards increased individual responsibility and a focus on active consumers who make conscious choices. This paper investigates division of responsibility between the state and individuals by analysing parents' views on nutrition policy measures and responsibility for healthy eating. Methods In 2019, Norwegian parents with children aged 1-16 years (N = 1085; 59% women and 41% men), completed a web-based survey on children's food and clothing consumption. The questionnaire included questions about individual and state responsibility for healthy eating and nutrition policy measures. Results Preliminary results indicate that there is consensus among parents that health is an individual responsibility (75%), whereas simultaneously 30% indicated that the state should not interfere with people's eating. Among nutrition policy measures parents agree that the state should use food price regulation to support healthy eating (71%) and 94% agree that there should be lower prices (VAT) on fruits and vegetables. The majority of parents (65%) think that marketing of unhealthy food to children should be banned, and that the packed lunch should be replaced by a school meal, while the opinions around keyhole labelling are somewhat more varied (46% agree that the keyhole label makes choosing healthy food easier). Further analysis in relation to background (education, income etc.) and food consumption are planned. Conclusions Healthy eating is considered a personal responsibility by Norwegian parents. They support nutrition policy measures and especially agree that the state should use price regulation to endorse healthy eating. Key messages Consumer views on nutrition policy measures should be taken into account. Norwegian parents support state regulation, especially food price regulation measures.

The role of mercury, selenium and the Se-Hg antagonism on cognitive neurodevelopment: A 40-month follow-up of the Italian mother-child PHIME cohort.

Despite a 15-year long effort to define the "safety" of fish intake during pregnancy, there remains still uncertainty on this important public health issue. The evaluation of the toxic effects of contaminants, particularly mercury (Hg) in fish-eating populations is complicated by the fact that sea-food is also rich in beneficial nutrients, such as selenium (Se). There is toxicological plausibility of an antagonistic effects between Se and Hg, and some theoretical support for the inclusion of the Se-Hg interaction to better assess the risk linked with fish intake. To assess the effects of exposure to low-level Hg through fish consumption on the developing brain and the interaction between Hg and Se, we conducted an analysis at age 40 months in Italian children, enrolled in a prospective mother-child cohort, comparing additive and multiplicative models. Participant subjects were the 470 children born within the Northern Adriatic Cohort II (NAC-II) cohort who were tested by using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development third edition (Bayley-III) (BSID-III) at age 40. Family demographic and socioeconomic information, pregnancy and delivery history, parental and child medical history and food consumption were assessed through questionnaires. Maternal blood samples were collected during pregnancy, cord blood at birth and maternal milk 1 month after delivery. As other exposures of interest, we considered the level of Se in maternal and cord blood and in breast milk and the potential Se-Hg antagonism. Se and inverse of THg (1:THg) concentrations were categorized according to the tertiles of their distributions, in low, medium and high levels of exposure. The lower end of the composite cognitive score distribution closest to 20% was defined as suboptimal development. Multiple logistic regression were applied to assess the association between the dichotomized composite cognitive score and the categorized exposure to Se and 1:THg, and the antagonism between Se and 1:THg. In the recruiting period, 900 pregnant women were enrolled in the cohort; 767 of these remained in the study at delivery and 470 children at 40 months. After excluding preterm births, 456 children were used in the final analyses. The larger difference in risk for suboptimal neurodevelopment was observed for the category with High THg and Low Se with OR=2.55 (90% CI 1.02; 6.41) under the multiplicative and OR=1.33 (90% CI 0.80; 1.87) under the additive model. The category High THg and High Se showed a very slightly better fit of the additive model (OR=1.07, 90% CI 0.65; 1.50) versus the multiplicative (OR=1.66, 90% CI 0.73; 1.77). A negative - antagonistic - interaction term for this category was estimated under the multiplicative model giving an OR=1.17 (90% CI 0.42; 3.28). Although this evidence of the effects of the Se-Hg antagonism on the children neuro-development needs to be confirmed, if Se can counterbalance Hg toxicity, the evaluation of the effect on human health of fish consumption, should also consider the diverse ratios between Se and Hg concentration in different fish species.

Structural equation modelling of the complex relationship between toothache and its associated factors among Indonesian children

The Indonesian family life survey (IFLS) is used for formulating various government policies. Our preliminary study using data from the IFLS showed increase in the prevalence of toothache from 2007 to 2014. Hence, a need to analyse the factors associated with toothache using structural equation modelling (SEM) for identifying the direct and indirect association of factors with toothache was evident. The objective of this study is to analyse the complex relationships between toothache and its associated risk factors. This cross-sectional study was conducted on the data obtained from the IFLS in 2014. The IFLS data pertaining to toothache and its prevalence were analysed using the STATA software, and the multifaceted relationship was analysed using SEM. The prevalence of toothache among Indonesian children was 15.55% (1,959 of 12,595). SEM showed the direct association between toothache and age (p < 0.001) and parent awareness of children's health conditions (p < 0.005) and food consumption frequency (p < 0.001). Parents’ education level and residential area showed an indirect association with toothache, mediated by socio-economic status and parent awareness of children's health conditions (p < 0.001). We identified the multifaceted relationship between toothache and the social covariates. Parents’ awareness of their children’s health conditions mediated several indirect associations, highlighting its importance.

Food Consumption is Associated with Hyperuricemia in Boys.

Hyperuricemia is related to health issues among children and adolescents, once the uric acid concentration is associated with metabolic syndrome, hypertension, insulin resistance, obesity, and dyslipidemia. However, few studies are addressing uric acid levels and food uptake in this age group. To verify the association between food consumption and uric acid in children and adolescents. This is a cross-sectional study developed with 2335 children and adolescents of both genders aged 6-17years old. Blood collection was performed after 12h of fasting. Uric acid values were classified according to tertiles, in which the highest tertile was considered as hyperuricemia. Food consumption was evaluated by weekly consumption frequency questionnaire. Pearson correlation and logistic binary regressions were used for statistical analysis. Models were adjusted for age, systolic blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and skin color/ethnicity. It was found an association between red meat consumption and hyperuricemia only in boys in the crude model (OR = 1.56; 95% CI 1.12; 2.18). Also, there was an association between pasta (OR = 1.52; 95% CI 1.11; 2.10) with hyperuricemia in boys, when adjusted age, systolic blood pressure, BMI, and skin color/ethnicity. The knowledge of food patterns which are predisposing factors for the increase in serum uric acid levels is important for the implementation of strategies and public health policies for health promotion among children and adolescents.

Food groups consumed by Saudi Children during the poste weaning to ‎preschool years, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia ‎‏ ‏

Abstract:‎ Purpose: healthy eating during early childhoods is important for growth and development. We ‎investigated the types of food groups’ consumption among preschool children. Household interview ‎of the mothers were done to indicate the general features of children food consumption and its ‎related strength and weakness.‎ Methods: Between 2017 and 2019 mother of children aged from 2 to 6 year old were interviewed. The ‎sample was cross sectional convenience sample of n=550. The data gathered describes the children’s ‎food intake and environment factors occurring during the children meals.‎ Results: children aged 2 years were repeatedly offered per day 2.6 of the milk group, 2.2 of the grain, ‎‎2.3 of the fruits, 1.5 of the proteins, 1.2 of the vegetables. An increase in the number of repeated ‎offering of the food groups especially milk and snack high in fat and sugar occurs by the preschool ‎stage. Consumption of food high In fat and sugar starts at the post weaning stage and is offered 1.19 ‎per day and increases to 2.03 per day at the preschool stage. The effect of child gender and maternal ‎education on food intake shows mostly no significance at our present sample size.‎ Discussion: Food uptakes of the milk and grains group were the larger and reached up to 3 times daily. ‎Nutrient intense food such as vegetables, fruits, and protein uptake was around one time per day. ‎And calories intense foods high in fat and sugar the up take starts form the earlier age and increased as ‎the children grow. Our study indicate that 80% of mothers prepared fresh food for the child ‎meals and 60% were present in those meals

Workfare programs and children’s meals intake: Evidence from India

This paper examines the impact of the Indian workfare program (MGNREGA - Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) that promotes female participation, on the food consumption of children. Using nationally representative data from the National Sample Surveys between 1999–2007, and a difference-in-differences strategy stemming from the staggered roll-out of the program across districts of India, we find that MGNREGA resulted in a decrease in the number of meals for preschool and school-going children. The negative effects on the number of meals are partially attenuated in larger households.

Associations between the Home Environment, Feeding Practices and Children's Intakes of Fruit, Vegetables and Confectionary/Sugar-Sweetened Beverages.

Within the home environment, parents influence their children’s dietary intakes through their parenting and dietary practices, and the foods they make available/accessible. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the associations between home environmental characteristics and children’s dietary intakes. Three hundred and thirty-two children aged three–five years and their parents participated in the study. Home environmental characteristics, including parental control feeding practices, were explored using validated and standardized questionnaires such as the Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ), the Physical and Nutritional Home Environment Inventory (PNHEI) and the Healthy Home Survey (HHS). Parent and child food consumption was also measured. Pressure to eat from parents was associated with lower fruit intake in children (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.47–0.96, p = 0.032). Greater variety of fruit available in the home increased the likelihood of fruit consumption in children (OR 1.35 95% CI 1.09–1.68, p = 0.005). Watching television for ≥1 h per day was associated with a decreased probability of children eating vegetables daily (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.20–0.72, p = 0.003) and doubled their likelihood of consuming confectionary/sugar-sweetened beverages more than once weekly (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.06–4.38, p = 0.034). Children whose parents had lower vegetable consumption were 59% less likely to eat vegetables daily. This study demonstrates that modifiable home environmental characteristics are significantly associated with children’s dietary intakes.