You are what you eat

Eating habits and dietary quality among primary school children in Upper Austria. A quantitative study on influencing factors, opportunities for improvement and evidence-based implications for school practice

Abstract

A diet tailored to children’s nutritional needs is of central importance for their health and age-appropriate development (Koletzko, 2022, p. 17; WHO Europe, 2022, p. 1 ff.). However, international studies show that even at primary school age, children have poor dietary habits that deviate from existing dietary recommendations in key areas (Burgard et al., 2023, p. 9; Mensink et al., 2021, p. 103). For Austria, there is as yet only limited up-to-date empirical evidence on the dietary situation of this age group. Against this background, the present study aims to gain initial empirically grounded insights into the dietary behaviour of the primary school children included in the study (N=673) on the basis of a region-specific investigation in Upper Austria. Data were collected using a standardised parental questionnaire based on current dietary guidelines. The results indicate an insufficient intake of fruit and vegetables, as well as a comparatively high consumption of sweets. Furthermore, there is low consumption of wholegrain products and plant-based foods, as well as irregularities in breakfast habits. Additionally, a weak but significant correlation was found between dietary quality and parents’ assessment of their children’s ability to concentrate. To date, this association has primarily been described in animal studies and international research; there is hardly any empirical data available on primary school children in Austria. These findings underscore the importance of a health-promoting diet during primary school years and, at the same time, provide initial empirical insights that highlight the need for further research and preventive measures.