CHILDREN WITH BETTER BREAKFAST HABIT AND FAMILY SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS TENDED TO HAVE BETTER ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

Abstract

Skipping breakfast affects learning performance at school. This study aimed to analyze correlation between breakfast habits, family socioeconomic status and academic achievement among elementary school children. This cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2016 on 150 fifth graders. Subjects’ characteristics, family socioeconomic status and breakfast habits were collected by filling out questionnaire, academic achievement was estimated by average score of midterm test. Subjects with good academic achievement had better socioeconomic status than those with poor academic achievement. Most of the subjects had breakfast 5-7 times/week and it was usually done before 7 AM.  Breakfast was usually served and consumed at home. Staple food and animal-based side dish were usually consumed for breakfast. Breakfast’s energy and protein contributions were significantly higher (p<0.05) among subjects with higher academic achievement than those with lower academic achievement. Subjects with better breakfast habits and socioeconomic status tended to have better school achievement.