Comparison of Meal Satisfaction, Dietary Habits, and Nutrient Intakes according to School Lunch Support among Middle School Boys and Girls in Incheon

Park, Jee Young; Kim, Eun Jin; Kim, Myung Hee; Choi, Mi Kyeong

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to provide fundamental data for health promotion and improvement of the dietary life in students who receive school lunch support (SLS) by comparative analysis of food service satisfaction, dietary habits, and nutrition intakes according to SLS. The subjects of this study consisted of 258 boys and 233 girls at a middle school in Incheon. The students' average age was 14.9 years, average height was 161.3 cm, and average weight was 52.0 kg. The breakfast eating frequency of the No-SLS (NSLS) group was significantly greater than that of the SLS group (P<0.05). The time spent for eating breakfast in the SLS group was significantly shorter than that of the NSLS group for boys. There was no significant difference in dietary attitudes according to SLS. For satisfaction of the quantity and diversity of the school lunch menu in girls, the SLS group had higher satisfaction than the NSLS group. The daily energy intake of the SLS group was significantly lower than that of the NSLS group in both boys and girls. The majority of daily nutrients intakes in the SLS group were also significantly lower than those in the NSLS group. In summary, the female students in the SLS group were more satisfied with school lunch service than general students. However, SLS students less frequently ate breakfast and showed lower energy and nutrient intakes. Therefore, in order to improve the nutritional status and dietary life of students who receive school lunch support, consistent nutrition management and support in schools are required.