Analysis on nutritional status among elementary and middle school students in Baoshan rural area

Objective To analyze nutritional status of elementary and middle school students and the status of school supply of nutrients in Baoshan rural area,and to provide statistic support for making related strategies and tactics of nutritional improvement.Methods About 10% elementary and middle schools were selected randomly from five counties of the Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students in Baoshan city by school-based and company-based food supply modes.A total of 25 586 elementary and middle school students were recruited,and their height and weight were measured according to the standard method,school food and nutrients supplying were analyzed.Results Both average height and weight of male students were lower than the standard value,except 6-age group,both average height and weight of female students were lower than the standard value.With the age grew,the gap between average height of male students and the standard value was increased,height differences were obviously in 10-16 age groups;female students' weight difference was obviously in 11-16 age groups.The prevalence of growth retardation,moderate and severe emaciation,low-grade emaciation in male and female were 2.3%,1.9%;7.7%,7.8%;7.2%,5.9%,respectively.The prevalence of overweight and obesity in male and female were 9.8%,8.8%,6.0%,5.9%,respectively.Except for grains and poultry of the main food supply of school canteens and energy,protein,vitamin C of main nutrients,the others could not amount to 80% of recommended amount.Conclusion Malnutrition,overweight and obesity were coexisting among primary and middle school students in Baoshan.The schools provided a unreasonable supply of food nutrients,thus,the relevant health education should be carried out.