Background: Studies from the West have demonstrated that ready-to-eat cereals (RTECs) are a common form of breakfast and more likely to be consumed by children. This study aimed to investigate the breakfast eating pattern and RTECs consumption among schoolchildren in Kuala Lumpur.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 382 schoolchildren, aged 10 and 11 years old, were recruited from seven randomly selected primary schools in Kuala Lumpur. Information on socio-demographics, breakfast eating patterns, and perceptions of RTECs and dietary intake (24-hour dietary recalls) were obtained.
Results: Among the respondents, only 22% of them consumed breakfast on a regular basis. The most commonly eaten food by children at breakfast was bread (27.2%), followed by biscuits (22.2%) and RTECs (20.5%). The majority of them (93%) reported that they consumed RTECs sometimes during the week. Chocolate RTECs (34.1%), corn flake RTECs (30.3%), and RTECs coated with honey (25.1%) were the most popular RTECs chosen by children. Respondents who consumed RTECs showed a significantly higher intake in calories, carbohydrate, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, folate, vitamin C, calcium, iron, and fibre (P < 0.05), compared to those who skipped breakfast and those who had breakfast foods other than RTECs.
Conclusion: The lower levels of breakfast consumption among schoolchildren in Kuala Lumpur need serious attention. RTEC is a nutritious food which is well accepted by a majority of the schoolchildren in Kuala Lumpur. Nutrition intervention should be conducted in the future to include a well-balanced breakfast with the utilisation of RTECs for schoolchildren.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4390772 | PMC |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Unveiling soil-transmitted helminth infections and associated risk factors in rural primary schoolchildren in Malaysia.
Trop Biomed
September 2024
Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia.
Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are known as one of the neglected parasitic diseases, leading to significant health issues and associated complications. This study aims to assess the current prevalence of STH infections and the associated risk factors among rural primary schoolchildren in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 638 schoolchildren (7-11 years old) from 10 rural primary schools in five regions of Malaysia.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAssociation Between 24-Hour Movement Behaviors and Adiposity in Malaysian Schoolchildren: A Compositional Isotemporal Substitution Analysis.
J Phys Act Health
January 2025
Center for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Background: Physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep are interrelated 24-hour movement behaviors that are important for the growth and well-being of children. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between 24-hour movement behaviors and adiposity, and predicted changes in adiposity following compositional time reallocations in 7- to 12.9-year-old Malaysian children from the South East Asian Nutrition Surveys II Malaysia.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOptimizing classroom environments for visually impaired school children a scoping review protocol.
PLoS One
October 2024
Biomedical Science Program and Centre for Healthy Aging & Wellness, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Creating a universal and supportive learning environment is essential for the holistic education development of visually impaired school children. However, inadequate infrastructure, limited access to specialized tools, and a shortage of skilled teachers may contribute to lower self-confidence and academic performance. This underscores the necessity for specific guidelines and recommendations to address an optimal classroom setting that is tailored to their visual needs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHigh prevalence of xerophthalmia linked to socio-demographic and nutritional factors among vitamin A-deficient rural primary schoolchildren in Malaysia.
Nutr Res
November 2024
Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Article Synopsis
- * A study involving 596 schoolchildren aged 8-12 years revealed a high prevalence of xerophthalmia (48.8%), primarily identified by conjunctival xerosis, and linked to factors like malnutrition and socio-demographic status.
- * Boys and indigenous Orang Asli children showed a higher risk for xerophthalmia, while overweight/obese children had a lower risk, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address VAD and its related health issues in these communities.
Does the optimal level of illumination improve both visual functions and visual comfort in schoolchildren with low vision?
PLoS One
September 2024
Centre for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Lighting modification is commonly performed by optometrists and occupational therapists to enhance visibility and visual comfort among schoolchildren with low vision. The purpose of this study is to determine the optimal illumination level for visual function and visual comfort of schoolchildren with low vision and the relationship between them. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess five levels of illumination ranging from 125 lux to 2000 lux to determine the optimal illumination for visual functions and visual comfort in schoolchildren with low vision from a special education school for blind in Malaysia.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!