Relationship Between Family Factors, Food Consumption Behaviors, and Nutritional Status Among Muslim School-Age Students in Rural Southern Thailand.

Abstract

Purpose: The double burden of malnutrition, with both undernutrition and overweight threatening school-age children's development, presents a critical global public health challenge. This research aimed to study the relationships between family factors, food consumption behaviors, and nutritional status among Muslim school-age children in rural southern Thailand.

Samples and methods: This study was cross-sectional descriptive research. The samples included 228 children aged 9-12 years in Thasala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat. Data were collected using demographic data, Nutritional status assessment, and food consumption behaviors assessment. Data were analyzed using descriptive, chi-square, and binary logistic regression statistics.

Results: Overall, 15.8% of the samples were classified as overweight and obese, and 18% were classified as stunted (<-1.5 SD). The samples had a normal weight-for-height (72.3%). The overall food consumption behaviors of the participants were moderate (Mean = 2.17, SD = 0.60). The number of siblings and food consumption behaviors had a significant relationship with nutritional status (p < 0.05). Confirmation with binary logistic regression results also revealed that the likelihood of appropriate nutritional status was 2.74 times higher in children with 3-4 siblings than those with 1-2 siblings (OR = 2.74; 95% CI: 1.494-5.047). Additionally, children with appropriate food consumption behaviors were 2.04 times more likely to have a proper nutritional status than those with inappropriate food consumption behaviors (OR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.044-3.996).

Conclusion: The study found that most participants had moderately appropriate food consumption behaviors, with 15.8% showing issues like overweight and obesity. The number of siblings and food consumption behaviors significantly influenced nutritional status. Interventions should leverage Islamic religious settings and engage religious leaders to foster healthier lifestyles. Culturally and religiously sensitive nutritional education, blending scientific evidence with Islamic teachings, should be integrated into school curricula to cultivate healthy eating habits and mitigate long-term health risks.