Analysis of the current status and associated factors of nutritional literacy among primary and secondary school students in Beijing

Abstract

Objective To understand the nutritional literacy level and associated factors of primary and secondary school students in Beijing, so as to provide a scientific basis for improving student nutrition.

Methods From October 2022 to May 2023, a multi-stage cluster random sampling method was employed to select a total of 14 568 primary, junior and senior high school students from 16 districts (ecluding the Economic-Technological Development area) in Beijing. Through a survey questionnaire on nutritional literacy and dietary hehavior of school-age children, basic information as well as data on nutritional literacy levels across four dimensions: nutrition related knowledge concepts, food selection, food preparation, and food intake dimensions were obtained. The Wilcoxon rank sum test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman correlation analysis, Chi-square test and binary Logistic regression were used for the analysis.

Results The median total score of nutritional literacy among primary and secondary school students in Beijing was 68.8. Approximately 26.0% of primary and secondary school students achieved nutritional literacy standards. The median scores and rates of meeting the standards for nutrition related knowledge concepts, food selection, food preparation and food intake dimensions were 23.0, 42.1%; 17.0, 27.4%; 6.5, 33.5%; 23.0, 33.3%, respectively. There were positive correlations between all pairs of the four dimensions ( r = 0.33-0.49, P<0.05). The results of multiple Logistic regression analysis showed that primary school students, junior high school students, female students, suburban students, caregivers with a college education level and a bachelor’s degree or above were the positive arrelation factors that promoted the achievement of nutritional literacy standards ( OR = 2.21, 1.39, 1.18, 1.27, 1.42, 1.66, P<0.05).

Conclusion The literacy level of primary and secondary school students in Beijing needs to be significantly improved. School stage, gender, region and caregiver’s education level are associated factors.

Abstract

【摘要】 目的 了解北京市中小学生营养素养水平及其相关因素, 为学生营养改善工作提供科学依据。 方法 2022年 10月至2023年5月, 采用多阶段整群抽样方法抽取北京市16个区(除经济技术开发区)共计14 568名小学、初中和髙中 的学生, 采用学龄儿童营养素养及饮食行为调査问卷获得被调査对象的基本信息, 以及营养相关知识理念、选择食物、制作 食物、摄人食物4个维度的营养素养水平。米用Wilcoxon秩和检验、Kruskal-Wallis检验、Spearman相关性分析、χ ²检验以 及二元Logistic回归对数据进行统计学分析。 结果 北京市中小学生营养素养总分中位数为68.8分, 26.0%的中小学生营 养素养达标。其中营养相关知识理念、选择食物、制作食物、摄人食物各维度得分中位数和达标率分别为23.0分, 42.1%; 17.0 分, 27.4%;6.5 分, 33.5%;23.0 分, 33.3%, 且 4 个维度两两间均呈正相关( r = 0.33~0.49, P值均<0.05)。多因素 Logistic 回归分析显示, 小学生、初中生、女生、郊区、照护者受教育水平为大专和本科及以上均是营养素养达标的正性相关因素 ( OR值分别为2.21, 1.39, 1.18, 1.27, 1.42, 1.66, P值均<0.05)。 结论 北京市中小学生营养素养水平仍有较大的提升空 间, 学段、性别、地区、照护者受教育水平是其相关因素。