Consumption amount of milk and dairy products in school children of 6-11 year olds in Birjand during 2007

Milk and dairy products are the primary sources of calcium and are the second largest source of saturated fats. Milk and dairy milk products consumption in our country is much lower than world standards. In this research, the amount of milk and dairy products consumption by primary school children, were studied in Birjand during 2007. In this descriptive-analytical study, 1771 school age children (6-11 yrs) were selected through multi-cluster sampling. Data collection was done by means of a questionnaire inquiring demographic information, growth condition, height and weight, kind and quantity of milk and dairy products used; and health condition of bones, joints and teeth. The obtained data were analyzed with SPSS software using χ2 and Pearson's correlation, at the significant level of P<0.05. It was found that consumption of milk and dairy products was lower among school-age children in comparison with world standards (500ml daily). There was a significant statistical relationship between the usage of milk with child sex (P=0.002) and mother's job (P=0.03). Boys and Children, whose mothers were employed, showed more interest in milk consumption. There was a significant statistical relationship between daily use of milk (P=0.001), yogurt (P=0.001) and cheese (P=0.001) with sex. Besides, there was a significant relationship between the use of yogurt and number of extracted teeth and dental caries (P= 0.05). Children who used more yogurts had fewer extractions and less dental caries. There wasnt a significant statistical relationship between use of milk and dairy products with arthralgia and bone pains. Milk and dairy products consumption in primary school children of Birjand is lower than the world standard. Low milk consumption by children will lead to calcium deficiency problems. This might be associated with a higher risk of osteoporosis in later life.