Schoolchildren's practices and beliefs regarding nutrition and physical activity: Pender's perspective

Abstract

Introduction

Malnutrition currently affects children and adolescents at alarming rates. Ongoing changes, such as the growth of urbanized populations and the globalization of food systems, have increased the availability of calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods. Likewise, shifts in culturally rooted practices and beliefs promote behaviors that may lead to unhealthy lifestyles.

Objective

To identify schoolchildren's perceptions of healthy eating and physical activity among students attending four public schools in Santa Marta, Colombia.

Method

Using a qualitative approach, semistructured interviews were conducted with 31 schoolchildren between 7 and 12 years of age.

Results

The findings describe how children identify healthy foods and those they perceive as “unhealthy.” Their food preferences and consumption patterns were identified both at school and at home. Physical activity emerged as a practice closely linked to the school environment, as it provides a safe space where children can engage in and enjoy activities either collectively or individually.

Conclusions

Based on these findings, it is expected to design an educational intervention to promote healthy lifestyles among schoolchildren and to evaluate its effectiveness in modifying health behaviors, thereby contributing to the prevention of obesity, overweight, and other conditions that may affect the medium- and long-term health of this population.