The Factors Influencing of Food Selection Behavior Among Students of Elementary School in Ngestiharjo Urban Village, Kasihan, Bantul

Abstract

Background: Indonesia as developing country remains face the double burdens of health problem, including mal nutrition and obesity. Children as students of elementary school tend to consume snacks which may contains unhealthy ingredients affect to health. This study aimed to examine the factors influencing of food selection behavior among students of elementary school. Methods: This cross-sectional quantitative research was conducted in Ngestiharjo Urban Village, Kasihan, Bantul, Yogyakarta. The respondents were 162 students in 5th grade in age range 10-14 years old. The statistical test was done for univariate, bivariate (chi-square), and multivariate (regression test). Results: Majority of respondents were female students in aged 11 years old. The bivariate analysis found that knowledge, breakfast habits, and social environment had the association with food selection behavior while attitude was not. The multivariate test revealed that knowledge and social environment were statistically influence the food selection behavior (OR= 2.8, OR= 5.057, respectively). The most influencing factors was the social environment. Conclusion: Students need to be informed about the knowledge of healthy, nutrients, hygiene and safety food. Social environment needs to work together to encourage children to practice the good food selection behavior.
Keywords: Students, Food selection, Knowledge, Attitude, Social environment