Food Consumption Pattern among School Going Children in a Rural Area of Kerala

Abstract

A study was conducted to assess the socioeconomic details and food consumption pattern of school children in a rural community. A total of 100 children in the age group of 10-12 years in Ernakulam district of Kerala was selected using simple random sampling. Interview method with the help of structured and pretested schedule was used to collect the data. The frequency of consumption of different foods was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. The findings revealed high consumption of rice, milk & milk products, sugar & jaggery, fats & edible oils, medium consumption of vegetables & non vegetarian items, and low consumption of pulses, nuts, oil seeds & fruits. This indicates the poor socioeconomic status prevailing in the area under study.