A Study of the Diet and Lifestyle of Irish School-Aged Children

Authors

  • Aoife Mc Donald
  • Catherine Donegan
  • Terence Farrell
  • James O’Byrne
  • Zara Shubber

Keywords:

Medicine

Abstract

Motivation/Aim of Study With rates of childhood obesity increasing worldwide, a study into whether Irish schoolchildren adhere to healthy practices for diet and lifestyle was conducted. Methods An extensive literature review was conducted and medical professionals were consulted regarding recommended guidelines for healthy living. Based on the recommended guidelines, a questionnaire was developed which included seven closed questions (four questions relating to diet, two relating to lifestyle and one relating to how these children rate their health). This was circulated to three randomly selected schools in Ireland (one each in Armagh, Dublin and Limerick). 227 children (aged 7-12) were included in the study. Statistical analysis was carried out on the returned surveys (n=227) and the results were compared to those reported in The Irish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children 2006 study. Results In the study’s target population, it was found that the average child is not achieving the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of fruit and vegetable or dairy consumption and is exceeding the RDA for confectionary foods consumption. While the average boy achieved the RDA for exercise, the average girl did not. Conclusion Among the 227 school children surveyed, the majority did not adhere to a healthy diet and lifestyle. The results supported the findings of The Irish Health Behaviour in Schoolaged Children 2006 study. To avoid future health problems the diet and lifestyle of our nation’s children must be improved.

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Published

2009-01-01

How to Cite

Mc Donald, A. ., Donegan, C. ., Farrell, T., O’Byrne, J. ., & Shubber, Z. . (2009). A Study of the Diet and Lifestyle of Irish School-Aged Children. Trinity Student Medical Journal , 10(1), 48–50. Retrieved from https://ojs.tchpc.tcd.ie/index.php/tsmj/article/view/1605

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 1 (2009): Trinity Student Medical Journal

Section

Research

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