ANALYSIS OF ACTUAL NUTRITION OF PRESCHOOL AND YOUNGER SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN IN CHITA
The aim of the study was to analyze the actual family nutrition of children of preschool and younger school age living in Chita. Materials and methods. Using the questionnaire survey, we studied the family‘s diet of 137 children: 92 3-4 years old children (1 group) and 45 7-8 years old children (2 groups) living Chita. A statistical analysis of the data was carried out using th extensive indicators. Reliability of differences was determined using the criterion χ2 Pearson. Results. Diet violations were detected in 67.2% of the families, meat deficiency - 45.3%, fish deficiency - 39.4%, dairy products deficiency - 27.4%, vegetables and fruits deficiency - 17.5%. Bad eating habits have been revealed in children of preschool age: eating fast foods, sweet drinks, mayonnaise, ketchup. Among younger schoolchildren the use of fish and seafood (p <0.001), fresh fruits and vegetables (p = 0.026) was more frequent, while the consumption of milk and dairy products decreased (p<0,001). Younger schoolchildren also showed an increase in the frequency of “bad” eating habits: regular consumption of chips and crackers in 2.2 times (p <0.001), sweet carbonated drinks in 2.5 times (p <0.001), fast food in 9 times (p <0.001), mayonnaise and ketchup in 5.1 times (p <0.01). Conclusion. Identified signs of malnutrition of children indicate the need for preventive measures for the formation of a healthy lifestyle in the family