ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITIONAL PATTERN OF PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN IN DAY CARE CENTERS OF AHWAZ UNIVERSITIES

The main abjective of this research was to evaluate the nutritional pattern of 3 to 5 years children in 6 day care centers of Ahwaz universities. All 155 children (53% girls and 74% boys) with 49.3±9.9 months of age were assessed and food frequency, socio-economic, anthropometric and behavior questionnaires were completed.Results showed that boys were heavier and taller than girls and their mid arm circumferences were greater (P<0.05). Twenty percent of children did not have breakfast and those who consumed sweet snacks had heavier weights than others (16.9±3 vs 15.1±1.4 Kg, respectively, P<0.05).Overactive boys consumed more preserves and pickles than others (P<0.05). Daily milk and egg intakes were prevalent in majority of subjects but meat and salad consumption in and of children was not in their dietary habits, respectively. Based on the results, modification of nutritional practices can be achieved by basic nutrition education and overactive children need more attention from their instructors and parents.