1. Dietary intake and lifestyle behaviors of children in Mauritius.
- Author
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Bundhun D, Rampadarath S, Puchooa D, and Jeewon R
- Abstract
The purpose of the study was to explore the dietary intake, fruit, vegetable and energy intake and lifestyle behaviors among Mauritian children. A validated questionnaire was used, assessing dietary intake, mean energy intake, mean body mass index (BMI), lifestyle behaviors as well as nutritional knowledge (NK) among males and females. 336 children aged 6-12 years (165 males and 171 females) from 8 public primary schools were recruited. Statistical analyses revealed that children consumed less nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains and more of refined and calorie-laden foods, with no significant differences across genders. Mean energy intake of children was 1522 ± 282.4 kcal per day while mean BMI was 17.5 ± 4.03 kg/m
2 . Majority of children had a low-to-moderate physical activity level (PAL), with males being more active than females on average ( P = 0.021 ). 88.7% of children watched TV for more than an hour daily, with 84.8% of them reporting to be eating during the process. Females were more likely to be breakfast skippers ( P = 0.003 ). Maximum frequency of snacking was twice daily (72.7%) while consumption of fast food was once or twice weekly (44.0%). Results indicate the need for intervention with aim of improving the dietary and life quality of children in Mauritius.- Published
- 2018
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