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A Web-Based Thai School Lunch Program Promotes Children's Heights: A Cross-Sectional Study in Rural Schools
Kukiat Tudpor1,2, Worrameth Kareechum3, Charnyuth Sriphuwong3
1Faculty of Public Health, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, Thailand.
Studies in Health Technology and Informatics
|August 23, 2024
Summary
The Thai school lunch program supports children's height-for-age Z-score (HAZ). Low HAZ children had lower vitamin and mineral intake, highlighting the need for community nutritional education.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Growth Monitoring
- Public Health Interventions
Background:
- Childhood nutrition significantly impacts development and linear growth.
- Limited research exists on the link between children's standardized height, nutritional status, and diet quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between dietary intake and height-for-age in students participating in a Thai school lunch program.
- To assess the effectiveness of the school lunch program on children's growth indicators.
Main Methods:
- Collected anthropometric data and 24-hour dietary recall records from school students.
- Utilized Inmucal software for nutrient consumption analysis.
- Accessed parent and custodian data from electronic health records.
Main Results:
- No significant correlation was found between children's and parents' heights.
- Children with low height-for-age Z-score (HAZ) exhibited significantly lower intake of key minerals (iron, magnesium, selenium) and vitamins (B6, B12, C, E).
- Children with normal HAZ showed higher magnesium, selenium, vitamin B12, and vitamin E intake compared to their custodians.
Conclusions:
- The Thai school lunch program is effective in maintaining normal height-for-age Z-scores among participating children.
- Community-based nutritional education is recommended to further improve children's nutritional status and growth outcomes.
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