Pre-schoolers’ eating behavior in urban communities: An overview

Introduction: Adequate nutrition is needed by preschool-aged children to allow for growth and development optimally. Eating behavior during the preschool years also shapes lifelong dietary preferences. This study aimed to describe the pre-schooler eating behavior in urban communities. Method: The design used was descriptive with a cross-sectional approach. The population consisted of mothers and preschool-aged children (aged 3-5 years) in Gresik Regency (an urban area in East Java). The sample size was 90 respondents, taken using a simple random sampling technique. Preschool eating behavior is defined by energy adequacy level and dietary diversity. The data was collected using food recall over 24 hours and this was described using frequency and percentage distribution. Results and Analysis: The results showed that most pre-schoolers had a good energy adequacy level (64.4%). The most significant contributors to energy were carbohydrates, protein and fat. Most pre-schoolers have good dietary diversity (75.6%). Most of their food composition consisted of rice, animal and plant protein and milk. Vegetables and fruits were rarely consumed. Discussion: It can thus be concluded that the pre-schooler’s eating behavior in urban communities was good. Further research can use these findings to develop an intervention to enhance the healthy eating behavior of pre-school children in urban communities.