Nutritional Practices among 416 Middle School Students in a Southern State

Texas has the third highest prevalence of overweight school children in the nation. The purpose of this study was to identify nutritional practices of middle school. The School Physical Activity and Nutrition survey was administered to 416 4th grade students. Data on demographic variables were obtained as well as actual and perceived weight and nutrition behaviors. Descriptive statistical and inferential analyses were performed. The respondents comprised of a diverse set of students, a majority of who were Hispanic/Latino aged between 8 to12 years. Almost three-fourths of the respondents were at or above the 85th percentile while two-thirds in the overweight category. More than half of the students perceived themselves at a right weight and nearly 20% of respondents underestimated their weight. Although a vast majority reported to have had moderate to strong exercise activities, nearly two-thirds spent at least 2 hours every day watching TV and/or playing video games. Nearly two-thirds of the respondents did not consume the recommended amounts of fruit, vegetables and dairy products and this had a statistically significant relationship with the frequency of meals in a day. There were no significant differences in nutritional behaviors by actual or perceived weight status, age, gender or ethnical background. Findings are consistent with previous research. Effective health education and promotion interventions focused children at these ages must include nutritional preferences and environmental variables as critical for success.