Nutrition behaviour of secondary school students during school-year

Healthy lifestyle and eating habits acquired in childhood and adolescence have a great impact in life since they are associated with lower risk of diseases of civilisation in adulthood. School meals in Slovenia are well organised and at least one meal is provided to children and students during school. The aim of our thesis was to analyse eating habits of secondary school students during school, their attitude towards school meals and the impact of abolishment of subsidized meals on students’ eating habits. A descriptive method was used to gather the necessary data. Data were collected from a questionnaire with questions about socio-demographic characteristics of interviewees, their eating habits and their attitude towards eating and school meals. Our study included 289 secondary school students. Our results demonstrate that Slovenian adolescents have poor eating habits even though they should have the correct nutrition of the highest quality. They consume too much sweets and sweet drinks and too little fruits and vegetables. Our results also show that 57,8 % of interviewed students consume school meals less often compared to last year. Students agree the school meals are too expensive and they wish they were subsidized. Positive influence on students’ eating habits could be achieved by providing an adequate subsidy and by addressing issues regarding provision of suitable school meals