The Attitudes of 7–9 Year Old Primary School Students towards Food and Nutrition: Insights from Qualitative FGI Research—The Junior-Edu-Żywienie (JEŻ) Project

Abstract

Optimal nutrition is one of the most significant environmental factors affecting human health. The aim of this study was to assess the attitudes of primary school students aged 7–9 towards nutrition considering three fundamental components: knowledge, emotional disposition, and dietary behaviors. The research was conducted using the Focus Group Interview (FGI) technique among 78 children. Considering their attitudes towards food and nutrition, four profiles were identified: “engaged”, “obedient”, “reluctant”, and “indifferent”. Children who were “engaged” and “obedient” due to their parents’ involvement in creating their dietary attitudes exhibited the most alignment with the principles of optimal nutrition. Regardless of profile type, it was observed that children were familiar with recommended and unrecommended food products, as well as the role of water in proper nutrition. It was demonstrated that parents wield the most substantial influence on children’s nutrition. As a result, initiatives promoting the proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle should commence with parents. Children of nutritionally conscious parents tend to eat more healthily and demonstrate a high nutritional awareness. Conversely, the children of busy parents who lack time for meal preparation more frequently replicate their parents’ nutritional mistakes. These findings emphasize the importance of the family environment in shaping the dietary behaviors of children and youth.

Keywords

• primary school students
• the age of 7–9 years old
• attitudes of primary school students
• nutritional knowledge
• dietary behaviors
• Focus Group Interview (FGI)