Nutritional assessment of parent-packed school lunches in selected private pre - schools in Kalingalinga, Lusaka Zambia

Background: The nutritional quality of parent-packed school lunches is crucial for the health and academic performance of children. In Lusaka's Kalingalinga area, there is limited data on the factors influencing these packed lunches, especially in private schools. This study explores the nutritional content of school lunches packed by parents, assesses their knowledge and attitudes towards nutrition, and identifies key factors influencing their food choices. Methodology: A quantitative and qualitative research design was employed, with data collected through structured questionnaires from 303 parents and guardians of children attending private schools in Kalingalinga, Lusaka. The demographic characteristics, knowledge of nutrition, and factors influencing food choices were analyzed using descriptive statistics, a 24-hour food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and Chi-square tests. SPSS version 23.0 was used for data analysis. Results: The majority of respondents were female (67.0%) and within the 18-25 age group (39.3%). Most had completed secondary education (57.4%) and were employed full-time (67.3%). Despite 95.7% acknowledging the importance of nutrition, 78.2% lacked knowledge of the nutritional content of the foods they packed. Sugary drinks (54.5%) and processed foods (51.2%) were frequently packed, while balanced meals and fruits were less consistent. The main factors influencing food choices were cost (53.1%) and peer pressure (25.4%), with only 7.3% considering nutritional value. Chi-square tests showed that occupation had a marginal relationship with adherence to nutritional guidelines (p=0.053), while age and education had no significant association. Conclusion and Recommendations: The findings reveal a gap in parents' knowledge regarding nutrition, impacting the quality of school lunches. Targeted nutritional education and policies promoting healthier eating are recommended to improve children's health in Kalingalinga, Lusaka