Snacking behaviour and nutrients intake among 11-16 years-old students from two different boarding system schools

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Public Health
• Dietary Assessment

Background:

• Student nutrition is crucial for academic performance and overall health.
• Boarding school environments may influence dietary habits and nutrient intake.
• Understanding snacking behaviors is key to addressing nutritional challenges in student populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare snacking behaviors and nutrient intake between students in closed and semi-closed boarding schools.
• To identify specific nutritional deficiencies and excesses in these student groups.
• To inform targeted nutritional interventions for boarding school students.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study design in Beijing boarding schools.
• Snack consumption questionnaire for behavioral data.
• Canteen weighing and 24-hour dietary recall for nutrient intake assessment.

Main Results:

• Closed boarding schools had more students with no snacking behavior on weekdays but a higher proportion of unhealthy snack choices.
• Closed boarding schools exhibited low carbohydrate and high fat energy intake; semi-closed schools showed varied macronutrient imbalances.
• Widespread deficiencies in calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, selenium, and multiple vitamins (A, B1, B2, C, E) were observed in both school types, with specific risks for iron in girls and vitamins in boys.

Conclusions:

• Significant differences in snacking behaviors and nutrient intake exist between closed and semi-closed boarding schools.
• Both school types face substantial risks of micronutrient deficiencies and macronutrient imbalances.
• Urgent and effective nutritional interventions are required to improve the health and well-being of boarding school students.