Nutrition of preschool children and the role of the nurse

Uvod: Število otrok s prekomerno telesno težo in debelostjo po svetu še vedno narašča, v nekaterih državah pa se še vedno spopadajo tudi s podhranjenostjo. V razvitem svetu je glavni problem predvsem nezdravo prehranjevanje in nezdravi prehranski vzorci otrok. V predšolskem odboju se ti vzorci korenito oblikujejo. Za to poleg družine, skrbijo predvsem vzgojno izobraževalne inštitucije in zdravstveni delavci, ki izvajajo vzgojo za zdravje otrok. Medicinska sestra ima na tem področju pomembno vlogo. Z različnimi programi in izobraževanji lahko pozitivno vpliva na zdravo prehrano predšolskih otrok. Namen: Namen diplomskega dela je, oceniti in preučiti dejanski energijski vnos pri dveh skupinah predšolskih otrok v Otroškem vrtcu Ajdovščina ter opisati vlogo medicinske sestre v primarnem zdravstvenem varstvu predšolskih otrok. Metode dela: V Otroškem vrtcu Ajdovščina smo opravili kvantitativno raziskavo na osnovi opazovanja, in sicer po metodi opazovanja z udeležbo in meritvami energijskega vnosa. Rezultati: Energijski vnos se je dnevno spreminjal, največji vnos smo zabeležili 2. dne (1016 kcal), najnižji pa 9. dne (575 kcal). Pri kosilih in popoldanskih malicah smo v obeh starostnih skupinah zabeležili nekoliko nižji povprečni vnos od priporočenega. Skupni povprečni vnos je za 1. starostno skupino znašal 706 kcal, 791 kcal pa za 2. starostno skupino. Razprava in sklep: Prehranjenost otrok po svetu je še vedno velik javnozdravstveni problem. Vzgojno izobraževalne inštitucije in zdravstveni delavci imajo pomembno vlogo pri prehrani predšolskih otrok. V naši raziskavi smo ocenili, da je energijski vnos v Otroškem vrtcu Ajdovščina zadovoljiv. Vloga medicinske sestre v šolah in vrtcih je vse pomembnejša. Z različnimi programi vzgoje za zdravje v vrtcih medicinska sestra pozitivno vpliva na prehrano in prehranske vzorce predšolskih otrok.Introduction: The number of overweight and obese children around the world is still rising, even though some countries are still facing with malnutrition. In the developed world, the main problem is particularly unhealthy eating and unhealthy dietary patterns of children. In preschool period these patterns are still forming. In addition to the family, the educational and health professionals who carry out children health education are primarily concerned. Nurse in this field has significant role. Through various programs and education, nurse can have a positive effect on a healthy diet of preschool children. Purpose: The purpose of thesis is to assess and analyze actual energy intake in kindergarten Ajdovščina in two groups of preschool children as well as describe the role of nurse in primary health care of preschool children. Methods: We performed a quantitative study based on observation, according to the method of participant observation and measurement of energy intake in kindergarten Ajdovščina. Results: Energy intake was changing daily, the maximum intake was recorded on the 2nd day (1016 kcal), and the lowest on the 9th day (575 kcal) of the study. In both age groups we recorded slightly lower average of energy intake at lunch and afternoon snack than recommended. The total average intake for the first age group was 706 kcal and 791 kcal for the 2nd age group. Discussion and conclusion: The nutritional status of children worldwide is still a major public health problem. Educational institutions and healthcare professionals play an important role in the nutrition of preschool children. In our research, we estimated that the energy intake in kindergarten Ajdovščina was adequate. The role of nurse in schools and kindergartens is importantly increasing. Through various programs for health education in kindergartens, nurse can have positive impact on the preschool children nutrition and dietary patterns