Relationship Between School Food Environment and Eating Behaviors of Primary School Children in Dodoma: A Cross-Sectional Study

Ecol Food Nutr. 2024 Jul-Aug;63(4):304-322. doi: 10.1080/03670244.2024.2357792. Epub 2024 May 22.

Abstract

This cross-sectional study assesses the relationship between school food environment and eating behaviors of primary school children in Dodoma among 248 primary school children aged 6-13 years. School characteristics information and socio-demographic characteristics were collected. Multilevel modeling was employed to assess the individual-level variance in eating behaviors. Most of the variances in the investigated eating behaviors were at the personal level. Significant associations (p < .05) were between protein-rich food intake and fats and sugar-rich food with the death of either parent. And association between intake of vitamin and mineral-rich foods and the number of people living in household.

Keywords: Eating behaviors; primary school children; school food environment.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diet
  • Dietary Fats / administration & dosage
  • Family Characteristics
  • Feeding Behavior*
  • Female
  • Food Services
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Schools*

Substances

  • Dietary Fats