Nutrition of students of schools in Łódź in light of the survey

Introduction. Nutrition is vital for both human health and condition, but in a special way, it is essential for proper physical and intellectual development during adolescence. Providing the body with essential nutrients, including vitamins and trace elements also affects the functioning of a young person in a school environment. There is the energetic value of food, as well the time and frequency of its consumption, which affects the effectiveness of nutrition. At the same time, the irregularities in nutrition lead to many disorders and diseases, including overweight, obesity, anemia, anorexia.

Aim. The aim of the study was to collect information about mid-schools students and draw conclusions that might be useful for further planning of educational activities promoting health.

Material and methods. The survey questionnaire was conducted among 218 students of classes I-III selected at random. They were all students of junior high schools located in Łódź, both public and non-public ones. The analysis was conducted on the basis of anonymous questionnaires.

Results. In the study group, it was observed that the first and second breakfast was eaten by 60.5% and 42.6% of students respectively. Over 11% never ate breakfast before going to school. A high percentage of children (80%) declared that usually they ate sandwiches.

Conclusions. Abnormalities in nutrition relate to a significant proportion of junior high school students. They often result from ignorance, haste, routines or negligence for which mostly parents are responsible. The scale of the phenomenon points to the need to implement educational activities among students and information campaigns targeted at parents, which should be carried at schools.