Primary school children’s diet assessment with a 7-day diary – comparison between Italy and Poland

Background Dietary habits acquired in childhood are often followed in later life, and if unfavourable may result in negative long-term health consequences. The study aimed to assess diet of primary school children with an interactive 7-day food diary in the form of a colouring book. Methods At first the study was conducted among 428 primary school children from Calderara di Reno (Italy). After questionnaire's translation and adjustment, the study continued as a pilot-study among 83 children from Wałbrzych (Poland). Under supervision of parents and teachers children completed a 7-day food diary. The quality of diet was evaluated with KIDMED test. Composition of breakfast was rated due to content of water (+1), carbohydrates (+1), proteins (+1), fibre (+1), vitamins/minerals (+1), free sugars (-1), assuming adequate breakfast if scored > =3 points and contained source of protein or carbohydrates. Statistical analysis with chi-square test was performed. Results Adherence to the model diet was medium or high among 64.49% of Italian and 40% of Polish children (p < 0.001). Significantly more Italian children had adequate breakfast each day during a week (51.17% vs 27.71%, p < 0.001) and each school day (51.40% vs 34.94%, p = 0.006). There was no difference in number of children consuming well-balanced breakfast during a weekend (p = 0.749). Consumption of fruits and vegetables in both groups was far below recommended level- 75.9% of Italian and 81.9% of Polish children ate less than 3 portions of fruits and vegetables per day. Conclusions The study underlines the need for improvement of children's diet and increase in parent's awareness of family eating habits. This 7-day diary is a innovative tool, which allows identification of incorrect dietary behaviours among children and enables school professionals to design adapted health promotion activities and educational programmes for pupils and parents, aiming to increase knowledge about the role of diet and nutrition in health. Key messages There is a constant need for nutritional education and healthy lifestyle promotion among children, parents and teachers. Assessment of children’s diet and screening for unfavourable dietary habits may be helpful in planning health promotion and preventive activities at schools.