ASSESSMENT OF POOR EATING HABITS AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS AMONG SCHOOL-GOING CHILDREN AGED 6–10 YEARS IN PARACHINAR

Abstract

Aim and objectives:

The present study aims to assess the dietary habits and nutritional status of school-aged children (6–10 years) in Parachinar, Pakistan. The objectives were to determine the prevalence of poor dietary practices among children and to evaluate their association with nutritional status.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 school-aged children in Parachinar, Pakistan. The sample included 175 males and 209 females selected through simple random sampling. Data on dietary habits were collected using structured dietary questionnaires. Resulst were analysed using SPSS 22 version.

Results: The findings revealed that only 43% of children had normal nutritional status, indicating a considerable burden of malnutrition in the study population. Obesity was observed in 22.1% of children, while 20.3% showed signs of micronutrient deficiencies, reflecting the coexistence of undernutrition and overnutrition. In terms of dietary behaviour, 40.1% of children reported consuming fast food at least four times per week. Additionally, the overall quality of diet showed a noticeable decline with increasing age, particularly among children approaching ten years.

Conclusion: The study concludes that school-aged children in Parachinar are experiencing a rapid nutritional transition toward unhealthy and ultra-processed foods, which is contributing to the growing burden of malnutrition and diet-related health risks. There is a need for school-based healthy canteen policies and community-level nutrition education programs to promote healthier dietary habits.