Perceived influences of food consumption among Indian preparatory school children: A qualitative study

Eating behaviour of children determines their state of nutrition and risk of many degenerative diseases in their adulthood. Therefore the present study was planned in order to find out the existing eating behaviour of children and causative factors behind it. It was done using structured questionnaire and interview method. Children were asked to draw about their liked foods and disliked foods. By this, researcher came to know that most of the children liked sugary drinks and fruit juices, junk foods more in comparison to fruits and vegetables. The main etiological factor behind this was TV ads and peer pressure. Some were influenced by family eating environment as well. Easy accessibility was also one of the main causative factors for their food choices. Children were having healthy food just because it was mandatory to bring healthy food only in school lunch boxes. Thus the research was very interesting that can be used to improve children’s eating behaviour or their perception towards healthy or junk foods in a positive manner.