Adherence to the "10 steps to a healthy diet for children" and associated factors in schoolchildren

OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of adherence to the "10 Steps to Healthy Eating for Children" and associated factors in schoolchildren. METHODS: The present study had a cross-sectional design and was conducted on 813 first grade students from elementary public schools in São Leopoldo (RS). Data were obtained using a questionnaire completed by mothers/guardians. It consisted of questions about food, physical activity, screen time, and socio-demographic characteristics. The criterion of adherence to every step was defined by the researchers. Pearson's chi-square and linear trends were used to evaluate the factors associated with the frequency of adherence to each step of the recommendations investigated. RESULTS: The average number of steps of the "Healthy Eating for Children" recommendations actually followed was 4.9, and none of the students followed all of the steps. Step 4 (consumption of the beans and rice at least five times/week) showed higher compliance (99.8%), and those involving restrictive measures, such as avoiding fatty foods and fried foods (Step 6) and sweets, soft drinks, and sugar-sweetened beverages (Step 7), showed the least compliance, respectively, 2.1 and 0.0%. Step 10 (be active and have screen time