Abstract

Benito N. Areola Jr, Mario Taller, Raed A. Zaghlol, Marie Grace M. Nones and Jennifer Mesde

ABSTRACT

Background: Malnutrition is not the same thing as hunger, although they often go together. People who are chronically malnourished lack the nutrients needed for proper health and development. Someone can be malnourished for a long or short period of time, and the condition may be mild or severe. People who are malnourished are more likely to get sick and, in severe cases, might die. Good nutrition is the bedrock of lifelong health, and it begins in infancy. Healthy eating can stabilize children’s energy, sharpen their minds, and even out their moods, unfortunately, kids are bombarded by message that can counteract efforts. Between peer pressure and the constant television commercials for junk foods, getting children to eat well might seem more futile than fruitful. Eating becomes a social activity in this stage of life. Your kids probably spend more time in school than they do at home, eat meals at friend’s houses; and adopt eating habits from their peers. It can be difficult to ensure they are getting adequate nutrition when you are not around to monitor their choices, so try to maintain regular family mealtimes. Objective: This study aimed to determine the extent of influence of the factors affecting the eating habits of among elementary students of Al-Quwayiyah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: Descriptive method of quantitative research was used by the researcher involving 284 students from the different elementary schools of Al-Quwayiyah, Riyadh. A simple random sampling was used to determine the sample size and utilized 5% margin of error. Arabic translated self-questionnaire was used to determine the extent of influence of the factors affecting the eating habits of the students. A four-point scale was employed in the questionnaire with its descriptive equivalence. Chronbach’s Alpha determined that the questionnaire has a reliability status with 0.79 results and was translated and validated by different lecturers and professors working in College of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University. Results: Family factors garnered the highest weighted mean which is 3.36 interpreted as always influential. Social or peer factor resulted to seldom influential which has 2.95 weighted mean and lastly Media factor is sometimes influential with an average weighted mean of 2.57. Conclusion Family factor was claimed by the respondents to have the greatest influence in affecting their eating habits. While, social and media factor were considered the second most influential in affecting the eating habits of the respondents.