Improving adolescents' dietary behaviours in the school-setting: challenges and opportunities

Abstract

Adolescence is a critical time of physical, psychological and social development, and thus, optimal nutritional intakes are required during this life stage. Despite this, adolescence is recognised as a period of nutritional vulnerability, with many reportedly failing to meet current dietary guidelines. The school-setting presents a favourable environment to intervene and promote positive dietary behaviours and is also inclusive regardless of socio-economic status. However, a lack of consensus exists on how best to utilise schools to facilitate improvements in dietary behaviours among this age group. Whilst previous research has focused on identifying the factors motivating dietary choices within the school-setting, less is known on the optimum strategies to enhance these dietary choices which could positively contribute to the design of future interventions. It is reported that adolescents have good nutritional knowledge, although this does not appear to be a central consideration when making their dietary choices. Alternative factors at the individual (taste, visual appeal, familiarity, food quality, price, portion size, value for money, time/ convenience), social (peer influence), physical (product placement) and macro environment (food availability) levels have been frequently cited as important influences on adolescents' dietary choices in school. Although school-based interventions have shown potential in achieving positive dietary change among adolescents, more research is needed to determine the most effective methods in improving dietary behaviours in schools. This review summarises the key factors which influence adolescents' school-based dietary choices and the effectiveness of previously conducted interventions, identifying promising components for consideration when developing future dietary interventions within the school-setting.

Factors that influence food choices in secondary school canteens: a qualitative study of pupil and staff perspectives

“…Overall, in line with a recent review (74), this qualitative study has identified various influential factors impacting adolescents' food choices in secondary school canteens, with many also acting as barriers to the selection of the healthier food items in this setting. Moreover, similar to previous research with key school stakeholders outside the United Kingdom (75,76).…”

Assessing the Correlation between Blood Trace Element Concentrations, Picky Eating Habits, and Intelligence Quotient in School-Aged Children

“…Mean scores were computed for each subscale, where higher scores indicated a greater frequency of the respective behavior. Selective eating was defined in this study as a positive response of "always" to at least one item on the selective eating behaviors questionnaire, aligning with previous research [34][35][36][37][38][39].…”