[Nutritional status and dietary habits of children in the Province of Modena].

Under the auspices of the "Food and health" project, research was undertaken (Nutritional Diagnosis) to evaluate the state of nutrition and health of a sample of the population of the Province of Modena. 155 children of an average age of 10 +/- 2 years were studied. These children, resident in the Local Health Areas 15 (Mirandola), 16 (Modena) and 18 (Pavullo), took part in a questionnaire comprising specific items. A general examination was carried out checking BMI, arterial pressure and pubertal development. Biohumoral examinations were also carried out which, as far as the average haematic lipids were concerned, showed no significant difference between the various Health Areas for CHT, LDL, and TGT, while for HDL there were significant difference (p < 0.01) for Area 16 with respect to Areas 15 and 18. Extremely high values of CHT and LDL were noted in the three areas and low values of HDL, particularly in Area 16. Case histories obtained while completing the questionnaire showed that the children's knowledge of the normality or not of bodily development was fair, since their replies to the question "how is your weight?" had a correlation of r = 0.6 with respective BMI. The prevalence of allergic illness in the three areas is 34.8% with significant differences for some zones and no significant difference for sex. With regard to physical activity, the evidence is disturbing: 31% of the children did not engage in any form of physical recreation whatsoever, which, given the average age of the target group (10 years), is serious. The findings for fatty acids and haematic lipids reflects the findings of an unbalanced diet. It is clear from the findings and observations reported that a study such as this should give rise to primary preventive strategies aimed particularly at young children, to prevent incorrect lifestyles as far as feeding and motor activity are concerned. Bad habits, once established, are difficult to eradicate and lead to obesity and hypercholesterolaemia, sure risk factors for ATS.