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- Title
A cross-sectional study to determine the energy density and nutritional quality of primary-school children's lunchboxes.
- Authors
Sutherland, Rachel; Nathan, Nicole; Brown, Alison; Yoong, Serene; Reynolds, Renee; Walton, Alison; Janssen, Lisa; Desmet, Clare; Lecathelinais, Christophe; Gillham, Karen; Herrmann, Vanessa; Wolfenden, Luke
- Abstract
<bold>Objective: </bold>The present study describes the energy content of primary-school children's lunchboxes and the proportion of lunchbox foods considered discretionary. Subgroup analyses by sex, socio-economic status, age and weight status were undertaken.<bold>Design: </bold>A cross-sectional study was conducted. Mean kilojoule content, number of items and categorisation of foods and drinks in lunchboxes as 'everyday' (healthy) or discretionary (sometimes) foods were assessed via a valid and reliable lunchbox observational audit.<bold>Setting: </bold>Twelve Catholic primary schools (Kindergarten-Grade 6) located in the Hunter region of New South Wales, Australia.<bold>Participants: </bold>Kindergarten to Grade 6 primary-school students.<bold>Results: </bold>In total, 2143 children (57 %) had parental consent to have their lunchboxes observed. School lunchboxes contained a mean of 2748 kJ, of which 61·2 % of energy was from foods consistent with the Australian Dietary Guidelines and 38·8 % of energy was discretionary foods. The proportion of lunchboxes containing only healthy foods was 12 %. Children in Kindergarten-Grade 2 packed more servings of 'everyday' foods (3·32 v. 2·98, P < 0·01) compared with children in Grades 3-6. Children in Grades 3-6 had a higher percentage of energy from discretionary foods (39·1 v. 33·8 %, P < 0·01) compared with children in Kindergarten-Grade 2 and children from the most socio-economically disadvantaged areas had significantly higher total kilojoules in the school lunchbox compared with the least disadvantaged students (2842 v. 2544 kJ, P = 0·03).<bold>Conclusions: </bold>Foods packed within school lunchboxes may contribute to energy imbalance. The development of school policies and population-based strategies to support parents overcome barriers to packing healthy lunchboxes are warranted.
- Subjects
NEW South Wales; ENERGY density; CROSS-sectional method; LUNCHBOXES; PRIMARY schools; SCHOOL rules &; regulations; RESEARCH; LUNCHEONS; NUTRITIONAL value; RESEARCH methodology; INGESTION; MEDICAL cooperation; EVALUATION research; SURVEYS; COMPARATIVE studies; STUDENTS; SCHOOLS; NUTRITION policy; PARENTS
- Publication
Public Health Nutrition, 2020, Vol 23, Issue 4, p1108
- ISSN
1368-9800
- Publication type
journal article
- DOI
10.1017/S1368980019003379