A need for healthy canteens in secondary schools in Mauritius

Subratty, A.H.; Sun, Marie Chan; Kassean, Hemant

doi:10.1108/00346650310499721

Cited by 8 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…The most popular snacks were salted snacks, sweets and chocolates (Ministry of Health and Quality of Life et al, 1995). Subratty et al (2003) noted a similar liking for snacks high in fats, sugar, calories and salt among secondary school adolescents. The snacking habits of schoolchildren in upper primary (8-12 year old) have not been studied.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 77%

Children’s consumption of snacks at school in Mauritius

Oogarah-Pratap

Heerah‐Booluck

2005

Nutrition &Amp; Food Science

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Purpose ± The snacking habits of children can be a cause for concern. Little research has been undertaken on the snacking habits of Mauritian schoolchildren. This study was conducted to identify the popular snacks upper primary schoolchildren (8-12 year old) buy at school. It also aimed at determining the factors that influenced children's purchase of snacks. Design/methodology/approach ± Twelve primary schools were selected using stratified random sampling. Thirty children from each school were involved. Data collection methods included an interviewer-administered questionnaire and observation of schoolchildren's snacking habits during lunch-time. Canteen sellers were also interviewed to gather information about the most popular snacks and their cost. Findings ± Findings revealed that most of the popular snacks were high in sugar, fat, energy or salt. Snacking habit of schoolchildren was significantly associated with age and gender ( p < 0.05). Children's snacking habit seemed to be largely influenced by the cost of snacks, their taste and availability, and the amount of pocket money. Originality/value ± Previous studies on snacking habits have focused on lower primary schoolchildren (5-7 year old) and adolescents, while this study has focused on the upper primary schoolchildren (8-12 year old). The findings provide a sound basis for health and education authorities to develop a national policy on the sale of nutritious foods in primary school canteens.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 77%

Children’s consumption of snacks at school in Mauritius

Oogarah-Pratap

Heerah‐Booluck

2005

Nutrition &Amp; Food Science

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“…8 Provision of EDNP foods at school may contribute to children's belief that daily consumption of these products is appropriate. 9 Conversely, the school food supply can potentially reinforce nutrition education components of the school curriculum 10,11 and environmental interventions in schools can assist parents in improving children's diet at home. 12 In Queensland and internationally, the school setting is identified as one important area for intervention to promote healthy weight in children.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of implementation of a healthy food and drink supply strategy throughout the whole school environment in Queensland state schools, Australia

et al. 2012

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“…chocolates, sweets, and sugared fizzy drinks and are not consuming enough fruits and vegetables 12,13 . In addition, fast food options such as pizzas, fried chicken, burgers, and hot dogs are gaining popularity among adolescents, possibly because of their taste, convenience and the influence of peers 14 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Is Healthy Eating Behaviour Common Among School Adolescents in Mauritius?

Ranjana¹,

Mahomoodally²,

Ramasawmy

2013

Curr Res Nutr Food Sci

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Adolescents eating behaviours have come in the limelight because of the unconventional meals, fast-food intake, and snacking. This study was therefore undertaken to appraise and understand eating behaviours of secondary school adolescents in Mauritius. Data were collected randomly from a representative sample (n=384) of adolescents via a self-administered questionnaire and analysed statistically to examine associations, if any, between socio-demographic factors and eating behaviours. Breakfast was the most frequently (68%) missed meal, attributed mainly to lack of time (79.2%). No significant difference was observed between common socio-demographic variables and breakfast skipping. Adolescents tend to consume healthy food items such as breakfast cereals, fruits and vegetables while fast food consumption was universally present but higher among low income groups. Snacking was highly prevalent (84%) and occurred more often in female teens, urban residents and middle and higher income groups. However, snacking pattern revealed a healthy trend with 76% adolescents reporting drinking water and fruits appeared to be the most popular snack (Popularity Score: 5.57). This study shows that there has been an improvement in the eating behaviour of school adolescents in Mauritius compared to previous local studies.

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A need for healthy canteens in secondary schools in Mauritius

Abstract: The present work focuses on the assessment of the level of hygiene practices among people involved in the preparation, cooking and serving of foods as well as the quality of foods offered for sale in secondary school canteens in four different urban areas in Mauritius.

Cited by 8 publications

References 4 publications

Children’s consumption of snacks at school in Mauritius

Children’s consumption of snacks at school in Mauritius

Evaluation of implementation of a healthy food and drink supply strategy throughout the whole school environment in Queensland state schools, Australia

Is Healthy Eating Behaviour Common Among School Adolescents in Mauritius?

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