Nutrition Survey on Lunch in Primary Schools for Children of Migrant Workers in Shanghai

Objective To evaluate the nutrition status and dietary pattern of students in primary school for children of migrant workers in Shanghai, and to provide evidence for promoting children's growth and development and conducting health education.

Methods By stratified cluster sampling, 920 students aged 9-12 years of the 4th and 5th grades in four primary schools for children of migrant workers were selected in Shanghai. The survey included demographic questionnaire, physical examination, and lunch nutrition survey using dietary recall.

Results A total of 912 students submitted valid questionnaires, consisting of 57.6% boys and 42.4% girls. The wasting rates of students in different gender and age groups were all higher than 11%. The intakes of energy and main nutrients were insufficient. The proportions that students obtained calcium, vitamin A, vitamin B₂, and zinc less than 60% of the relevant standards were 99.6%, 99.9%, 94.8% and 83.8%, respectively. The proportions that students ate vegetable and beans/bean products less than 60% of the relevant standards were 79.8% and 54.3% respectively. Additionally, 79.1% of the students had a higher-than-recommended average animal food intake.

Conclusion A high wasting rate, unreasonable lunch dietary pattern, and insufficient intakes of energy and main nutrients are identified in the students from primary schools for children of migrant workers in Shanghai. Therefore, the students need more vegetables and beans/bean products and less animal food.