Assessment of eating habits and the effectiveness of programs promoting proper eating habits among early school children in the Lublin province

Obesity is a significant social and health problem of societies world wide. Nowadays, the percentage of children suffering from overweight is increasing. This is the result of nutrition mistakes done during the first years of a young person’s life, and the lack of parental knowledge about the rules of proper nutrition. School-aged children suffering from overweight are clearly exposed to obesity in adulthood. The authors undertook to assess the nutritional habits of children attending primary schools located in the province of Lublin. The survey was conducted among a group of 150 students from three primary schools in the Lublin province. As a research method, the authors set up a survey in the printed version. The data obtained were compiled and analyzed in the Statistica 13™ (DellSoftware, USA). Over one-third (36.7%) of the children taking part in the study eat the recommended daily number of meals. Eating in the intervals between the main meals is often observed among the respondents (77.3%). Daily consumption of dairy products was declared by 20.8% of girls and 35.6% of boys. In questions about the promotion of healthy eating programs carried out at schools, the “Fruit and Vegetables at School” program was the most popular. The children who took part in the study showed mostly incorrect eating habits. The current situation requires further research and taking decisive steps by healthcare professionals, educators and parents. Consistent steps in existing programs promoting a healthy eating style will improve the epidemiological situation of abnormal nutrition among early-childhood children in the near future.