Association Between Snack Habit and Nutrition Status in Elementary School in Sungai Rambutan, Ogan Ilir District

Backgrounds: One of the factors that influence the determinants of nutritional status of primary school's pupils is the habit of eating snacks besides the other factors that breakfast habits. One of the factors that associate with the consumption patterns of elementary school ‘s students-grade 4-6 is the habit of eating snacks. Methods: This study is an observational cross-sectional approach. Aim of this research is to identify association between the snack habits and the nutritional status among children in primary school. The population of this study were elementary school's children with a sample of children Sungai Rambutan that had 5th and 6th grades. Data were obtained from direct interview and anthropometric data were performed to measure nutritional status. Chi Square were performed for the analysis. The results: The results showed that there was no correlation of respondents' characteristic, the parents' characteristics and the habit of eating snacks towards children' nutritional status. Conclusion: The roles of parents and teachers are necessary to change the habit of snacks' eating. Preparing breakfast for children should be familiarized with nutritious foods before going to school. Children who eat breakfast usually will be more able to avoid consumption of snack in their school