Breakfast Habits and Cereal Consumption among Kuala Lumpur Schoolchildren
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Breakfast Eating Pattern and Ready-to-Eat Cereals Consumption among Schoolchildren in Kuala Lumpur
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Hui-Chin KOO, Siti Nurain ABDUL JALIL, ABD TALIB Ruzita
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Breakfast Eating Pattern and Ready-to-Eat Cereals Consumption among Schoolchildren in Kuala Lumpur
Year: 2015
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The breakfast consumption patterns and preferences for ready-to-eat cereals (RTECs) among schoolchildren in Kuala Lumpur were investigated in a cross-sectional study involving 382 children aged 10 and 11 years. While studies from the West indicate that RTECs are a popular breakfast choice for children, this research sheds light on the declining breakfast habits observed in Malaysia. Despite breakfast being deemed vital for nutrition and cognitive function, only 22% of children in the study consumed breakfast regularly, highlighting a significant concern regarding dietary habits in this demographic.
Impact of RTECs on Nutritional Intake
A significant finding of the study was that children who consumed RTECs had improved nutritional outcomes compared to those who skipped breakfast or ate different foods. The intake of essential nutrients, including vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, folate, calcium, and iron, was notably higher among RTEC consumers. RTECs are convenient, palatable, and nutrient-dense, making them an attractive choice to enhance breakfast consumption. With 93% of participants reporting that they ate RTECs at some point during the week, it was evident that RTECs are well-accepted among children. Their integration into the morning meal can effectively help address nutritional deficiencies among schoolchildren.
Conclusion
The findings from this study underscore the urgent need to promote breakfast consumption among schoolchildren in Kuala Lumpur, particularly the inclusion of RTECs as a healthy breakfast option. With a majority of children not consuming breakfast regularly, and many barriers identified, health promotion interventions focused on easy-to-prepare and nutritious options could positively impact dietary habits. By emphasizing the nutritional value of RTECs and encouraging their consumption, it may be possible to foster healthier eating patterns, ultimately benefiting the growth and health of children in Malaysia.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the purpose of the study conducted in Kuala Lumpur?
The study aimed to investigate breakfast eating patterns and consumption of ready-to-eat cereals (RTECs) among schoolchildren aged 10 and 11 years in Kuala Lumpur, highlighting their nutritional intake and habits.
How many schoolchildren participated in the Kuala Lumpur study?
A total of 382 schoolchildren aged 10 and 11 years were recruited from seven randomly selected primary schools in Kuala Lumpur for this cross-sectional study.
What were the common breakfast foods among the surveyed children?
The study found that the most commonly eaten breakfast foods were bread (27.2%), biscuits (22.2%), and ready-to-eat cereals (20.5%), with many children consuming RTECs occasionally throughout the week.
What did the study reveal about RTECs and children's nutritional intake?
Children consuming RTECs as breakfast showed significantly higher intakes of essential nutrients including vitamins and minerals compared to those who skipped breakfast or ate other foods, emphasizing RTECs' nutritional benefits.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Breakfast Habits and Cereal Consumption among Kuala Lumpur Schoolchildren”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Food:
Food is essential for human sustenance, providing necessary nutrients and energy for daily functioning. In the context of the study, it examines breakfast options, particularly Ready-to-Eat Cereals (RTECs), consumed by children. Understanding food choices impacts children’s nutritional intake, overall health, and development during critical growth stages.
2) Study (Studying):
Studying implies a systematic approach to gather and analyze data about children's dietary habits. This research contributes to the growing field of nutritional epidemiology, providing insights into eating patterns and their impacts on health. Improved understanding influences public health policies aimed at improving children's overall nutrition.
3) Table:
In research, tables present organized data, enabling ease of analysis and comparison. They contain statistical findings, such as the frequency of cereal consumption, and can visually display relationships between breakfast habits and health indicators. Tables are crucial for summarizing complex information, making it accessible to researchers and policymakers.
4) Diet:
Diet refers to the types of food consumed regularly by individuals. The study focuses on children's breakfast diets and the impact of incorporating RTECs on their nutritional intake. A balanced diet is pivotal for children's growth, cognitive development, and overall health, underlining the significance of breakfast in their daily routines.
5) Education:
Education plays a vital role in shaping dietary behaviors among children. The study emphasizes how nutritional education can influence breakfast choices, helping children understand the importance of regular meals. Educational interventions may foster healthier eating habits, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and improved academic performance in school.
6) Reason:
In the study, 'reason' highlights the motivations behind children’s breakfast consumption or lack thereof. Understanding the reasons for skipping breakfast, such as stomach discomfort or oversleeping, can guide interventions aimed at improving breakfast habits. Identifying barriers can lead to tailored strategies to encourage regular breakfast consumption among schoolchildren.
7) Milk:
Milk is commonly consumed with RTECs, providing essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, important for children's growth and bone health. The study found that a significant proportion of children consume RTECs with milk, indicating a preference that can be leveraged in promoting healthy breakfast options in educational campaigns.
8) Tamil:
Tamil refers to one of the major ethnic groups in Malaysia, whose children participated in the study. Recognizing diverse cultural backgrounds is essential for dietary studies, considering different food preferences and practices. The involvement of Tamil children underscores the need for inclusive nutrition interventions that respect cultural dietary habits.
9) Agriculture:
Agriculture is fundamental in providing food sources, including cereals and dairy products used in breakfasts. Understanding agricultural practices informs the nutritional options available to children. Sustainable agriculture can help in enhancing food security and promoting the consumption of locally sourced, nutritious foods among school-aged children.
10) Measurement:
Measurement in the study involves quantifying dietary intake and anthropometric data to assess children’s nutritional status. Accurate measurement is crucial for analyzing eating habits, enabling researchers to identify deficiencies or excesses in nutrient intake. This objective data is essential for validating the findings and guiding future nutrition interventions.
11) Quality:
Quality refers to the nutritional value of foods consumed, such as in RTECs. The study evaluates how the quality of breakfast impacts children's health and nutrient intake. Emphasizing high-quality, nutrient-dense foods in breakfast options can help combat issues like childhood obesity and nutrient deficiencies.
12) Indian:
Indian refers to one of the primary ethnic groups in Malaysia participating in the research. Recognizing the dietary habits and cultural preferences of Indian children is critical for understanding the diverse nutritional landscape and developing effective, culturally-sensitive nutritional interventions in schools to promote better eating habits.
13) Sugar:
Sugar is an important factor in nutrition, as excessive consumption can lead to obesity and other health issues, especially in children. The study implies examining the sugar content in RTECs and breakfast foods, driving the need for education around sugar intake and promoting healthier, low-sugar breakfast alternatives.
14) Line:
Line can denote the demographic scope or the methodology line of the study. It is crucial for determining the target population, sampling methods, and how the study is structured. Clear demarcation aids in understanding the findings' applicability and provides guidance for future research directions and nutritional guidelines.
15) Performance:
Performance in the study context often pertains to academic performance in relation to nutrition. Adequate breakfast consumption is linked to better cognitive function and academic outcomes among children. Understanding how dietary choices influence performance is vital for promoting healthy eating habits conducive to learning and development.
16) Mineral:
Minerals are essential nutrients that play various roles in bodily functions, important for children's growth and health. The study assesses the intake of key minerals among schoolchildren, linking their consumption of RTECs with enhanced nutrient profiles. This highlights the need to promote mineral-rich breakfast options for better health outcomes.
17) Greece:
Greece signifies a geographical context often associated with dietary studies, particularly regarding traditional foods. The mention of Greece may relate to comparisons with Mediterranean diets, which are considered healthy. Exploring diverse dietary patterns supports better understanding of global nutrition trends and influences on children’s eating habits beyond local customs.
18) Family:
Family influences children’s dietary choices and can shape their breakfast habits significantly. The study examines socio-demographic factors, including family income and parents' education levels, as they directly affect children’s food options. Family-centered interventions can effectively promote healthier breakfast consumption patterns among children in various ethnic backgrounds.
19) Honey:
Honey is a natural sweetener commonly used in breakfast foods, including RTECs. It provides an alternative to refined sugars, offering potential health benefits. Understanding children’s preferences for honey-coated cereals can inform healthier marketing strategies and product development, promoting nutritionally sound choices without excessive sugar consumption.
20) Rules:
Rules might refer to dietary guidelines or standards set for children regarding nutritional intake. Establishing clear rules about healthy eating can aid in shaping children’s food choices at home and in schools. Nutritional regulations support systematic approaches in achieving better dietary habits among children.
21) Blood:
Blood is crucial in assessing health-related issues, including nutrient deficiencies like anemia, which can affect children’s overall wellbeing. The study may explore the relationship between breakfast consumption patterns and blood health markers, underscoring the importance of balanced nutrition in supporting healthy blood parameters among children.
22) Cina:
Cina reflects the Chinese community, one of the main ethnic groups participating in the study. Understanding dietary behaviors and preferences of Chinese children is essential in crafting effective nutrition interventions. Tailoring dietary guidelines to different cultural contexts ensures inclusivity and relevance in addressing children's dietary needs in Malaysia.
23) Siti (Shiti):
Siti may refer to a common name in Malaysia representing cultural identity. It exemplifies the need to consider local names and identities in nutritional studies. Understanding cultural nuances surrounding common names can enrich community engagement and enhance the effectiveness of health promotion efforts targeting children.
24) Fish:
Fish is recognized as a significant source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, vital for children's growth and cognitive function. The study may touch on fish consumption within breakfast diets, underscoring the need to promote fish as a healthy protein option, contributing to a well-rounded breakfast for children.
25) Pur:
Poor denotes children potentially suffering from inadequate nutrition or health concerns related to their dietary patterns. The study highlights the link between poor breakfast consumption and health issues such as obesity. Identifying and addressing inequities in access to nutritious food options is critical for promoting children’s health.
26) Calculation:
Calculation refers to the statistical analysis performed in the study to derive insights about dietary intake and nutritional status. Accurate calculations are essential for validating findings, determining the significance of breakfast consumption patterns, and providing evidence-based recommendations for health interventions among schoolchildren.
27) Perception:
Perception relates to how children and parents view breakfast and its importance to health. Understanding perceptions can lead to effective communication strategies in health promotion, particularly when addressing barriers to breakfast consumption. Altering negative perceptions could facilitate better eating habits among children in various cultural contexts.
28) Discussion:
Discussion interprets and contextualizes the findings from the study, exploring their implications for public health. It highlights the significance of breakfast consumption and RTECs to children's nutrition and offers recommendations for future interventions. This section also ties the study’s outcomes back to existing literature and provides a basis for future research.
29) Disease:
Disease can relate to health issues prevalent in children, such as obesity, which may stem from poor dietary choices. The study emphasizes the connection between regular breakfast consumption and reduced disease risk. Understanding these links supports initiatives aimed at improving childhood health outcomes through better nutrition.
30) Coconut (Cocoanut):
Coconut is a common staple in Malaysian cuisine and may appear in breakfast foods. Integrating coconut-based products can enhance the nutritional profile of meals, providing healthy fats and fiber. The study might examine preferences for coconut in children’s diets and its role in promoting cultural food acceptance.
31) Medium:
Medium could refer to the medium of communication or methods used in administering the study, such as questionnaires in multiple languages to cater to diverse ethnicities. Effective communication across different mediums is essential to ensure accurate data collection and engagement in nutrition-related research among children.
32) Valley:
Valley may signify the Klang Valley, a region in Malaysia where the study was conducted. Understanding regional dietary habits is vital for addressing local nutritional challenges. The outcomes can help in tailoring health interventions specific to the cultural and socio-economic context of the Klang Valley’s population.
33) Water:
Water is essential for life and plays a critical role in overall health and nutrition. The study might explore hydration habits among children and its potential impact on breakfast consumption. Emphasizing adequate water intake could promote better health outcomes and enhance overall dietary quality for children.
34) Seri (Sheri):
Seri could refer to a common name or term in Malaysia, possibly indicating cultural significance. Recognizing local terms and identities emphasizes the importance of cultural context in dietary studies. Engaging local communities through familiar terms enhances the effectiveness of health promotion efforts targeting children’s nutrition.
35) Rice (Rce):
Rice is a staple food in Malaysian diets, often consumed at breakfast. The study may examine rice's role in children's breakfast preferences and overall dietary habits. Understanding staple foods helps identify nutritious choices and potential dietary deficiencies that could be addressed through educational interventions.
36) Meat:
Meat represents a source of protein important for children's growth and development. The study may analyze the consumption of meat in breakfast diets, emphasizing the need for balanced meal options. Promoting lean meat choices can enhance nutritional intake and address health issues like obesity among schoolchildren.
37) Sign:
Sign refers to the indications of children’s nutritional status and breakfast consumption patterns. Identifying signs of good or poor nutrition is vital for developing effective interventions. This term underscores the importance of monitoring dietary habits to promote health and prevent nutrition-related health problems in children.
38) Wall:
Wall could refer to the context of measurement taking place in a controlled environment, such as schools. It might signify the backdrop of the study, where data collection occurred. An understanding of the physical environment aids in interpreting how dietary behaviors are influenced by community spaces.
39) Post:
Post may signify a context where findings are disseminated or publicized, such as in academic journals or community events. Sharing results is vital for raising awareness about children's nutritional habits and garnering support for interventions aimed at improving dietary choices among schoolchildren.
40) Male:
Male refers to the gender of participants in the study and can be a factor in dietary patterns and preferences. Understanding male children's unique nutritional needs and preferences is essential for developing gender-sensitive nutritional programs aimed at addressing childhood health issues effectively.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Breakfast Habits and Cereal Consumption among Kuala Lumpur Schoolchildren’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Child, Nutritious food, Cognitive function, Food consumption, Unhealthy food, Parental consent, Nutritional status, Body mass index, Dietary Intake, Dietary recall, Statistical analyses, Abdominal obesity, Nutritional intervention, BMI classification, Anthropometric measurement, Healthy food, Calorie intake, School-aged children, Eating habit, Nutrient intake, High fat food, Intervention studies, Healthcare professional, Micronutrient, 24 hour dietary recall, Nutritional intake, Obesity risk, Socio-demographics, Children and adolescents, Primary school children, Health benefit, Female college students, Food frequency questionnaire, Regular basis, Whole grain cereals, Whole grain, Essential nutrient, Nutrition Programs, Eating pattern, Breakfast habits, Socio-demographic characteristic, Food choice.
Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.