Assessment of school time eating habits in children of quetta

Aim: This study aimed to compare the eating habits of the children from lower socioeconomic status and higher socioeconomic status. Introduction: Nutrition is the intake of food, considered in relation to the body’s dietary needs. Good nutrition an adequate, well-balanced diet combined with regular physical activity – is a cornerstone of good health. It is beneficial for the physical, neurological and cognitive development of individuals. In the larger perspective, good nutrition defines the quality of health in a community. On the other side of the spectrum, poor nutrition can lead to reduced immunity, increased susceptibility to disease, impaired physical and mental development, and reduced productivity. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the district Quetta. A sample of 100 students was selected and divided into two groups i.e. group 1, and group 2. Group 1 was taken from government school located in the slums of Quetta, while group 2 was taken from a public school located in a posh area of Quetta. Students were interviewed about their food pattern of the last 2 days and their input was recorded. Results: It is evident from this study that the main food children having during school time is junk food irrespective of socioeconomic status. Children in good socioeconomic status were skipping more frequently than in the lower class. Kids in lower class were having food insufficiency and there was no variety in their food. In the 2nd group, although they were having milk and fruit. The food they were used to eat were mainly junk food. Conclusion: Intake of junk food in higher socioeconomic status is more prevalent than in lower socioeconomic status due to unaffordability.