The Effect of Nutritional Habits of Pre-School Children on The Growth and Development

Abstract

Objectives: The research was carried out as a descriptive and methodological design in order to determine the nutritional habits of preschool children attending eight kindergartens in three central districts of a province and the effect of nutrition on their growth and development. Materials and Methods: The population of the research consisted of 4705 children studying in a total of 202 kindergarten classes in the central districts of three of one city, and 335 children in the sample Data; The Information Form was obtained with the Nutrition Evaluation Questionnaire (NEQ) developed in line with the literature, Ankara Developmental Screening Inventory (AGTE), Body Mass Index Percentile (BMI), digital scales for height and weight measurements, and an anthropometry instrument. The obtained data were analyzed with percentage distribution, mean, Person chi-square, t test in independent groups, Kruskal Wallis test, One-way variance in independent groups, Multiple regression. Results: As a result of the research, it was determined that the mean age of the children was 5.26±.45 years, boys were more than girls and most of the children were fully vaccinated. In the study, it was determined that the children's BMI percentile values and mean AGTE scores were within normal ranges. It was found that there was a significant correlation (p<.05) between the children's eating habits (who consumed milk, meat, bread and did not consume cola) and their AGTE score averages. It was determined that there was no signi ficant relationship between children's eating habits and BMI percentile values. Conclusion: It is very important to monitor the growth and development of children by school health nurses in pre-school institutions. This follow-up will ensure that the child's nutritional process, the development of his skills, his growth status and the evaluation of the disease, and thus positive results can be obtained. © 2022, Dokuz Eylul University. All rights reserved.