Abstract

GALVAN, Marcos et al. Design and evaluation of a campaign to promote the consumption of vegetables and fruits in Mexican school-age children. Nutr. Hosp. [online]. 2016, vol.33, n.5, pp.1164-1171. ISSN 1699-5198.  https://dx.doi.org/10.20960/nh.582.

Introduction: In Mexican school-age children the consumption of vegetables and fruits (V & F) is less than 25% of the amount recommended by the World Health Organization. Objectives: Evaluate the effectiveness of a promotion campaign about the consumption of V & F in urban school children from Hidalgo, Mexico. Methods: A non controlled community trial in 226 school-age children from private and public schools was conducted, we designed and distributed printed material for promoting the consumption of V & F among the school population, access to V & F was provided through planning and sales at school stores, and consumption was supervised by the teachers. Results: At the end of the intervention vegetable consumption increased by 50 g and plain water in 100 mL (T-test, p < 0.05); the proportion of school-age children who identified the health benefits of the consumption of V & F increased significantly (68% initial, 87% final) and greater support from parents (61% initial, 92 final%) was achieved. Conclusions: A promotion campaign and improved access to vegetables, fruits and water in the school environment which is supported by parents and teachers can encourage healthier eating at school.

Keywords : Promotion of school health; Vegetables; Fruits; Healthy eating.

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