Public Health and Education ministers presented the findings of the Student Welfare Institute of the Ministry of Education (Inabie) study “Nutritional Status of Students Benefiting from Meals Programs in the Dominican Republic 2021-2022.” First Lady Raquel Arbaje, who heads the Children’s Cabinet in the Abinader administration, was at the presiding table. “Without statistics, there is no planning,” said the First Lady. She stressed that the new data allows the authorities to establish timely strategies to contribute to the development and growth of students.
The study evidenced nationwide malnutrition indexes in public school children and adolescents. It revealed that 31.1% of the students are overweight-obese. Obesity is more present in the northern educational district. Moreover, the study showed that the diet of 45.29% of the students is unhealthy and only 6% of the students exercise at minimal levels recommended by the World Health Organization. Obesity was greater in students in fifth-grade students with 16.1% and high school students with 14.9%.
The study concluded that only 0.64% of students have a nutritionally adequate diet, 54.67% need to make changes and 45.29% have an unhealthy diet.
Less than 20% of the students said they consumed fruits and vegetables daily. The diet of 70% of the students consists of sausage (salchichón), sweets and soft drinks at levels above what is recommended.
Girls were found to have a higher risk of being overweight, especially in cases where there is a family history of diabetes mellitus and obesity.
Most overweight children live in the country’s northern region, followed by the eastern region. Those who live in the southwest are the least obese.
The study showed 3% were underweight, mostly in adolescent boys. The situation primarily prevailed in the eastern region where many were found to have a history of anemia. The Inabie says it is working to serve fortified rice in the student meals.
“The objective of this study is to contribute to the necessary change to improve the nutritional status of our children and adolescents and thus reduce the rate of obesity and overweight in their adult life, to prevent cardiometabolic diseases, diabetes mellitus and hypertension,” said Minister Daniel Rivera, speaking at the presentation of the study findings.
He said the transformation in the eating culture needs to start at home and nutrition guidelines and provided in schools. He called for more vegetables and fruits in the diet and less sugar, salt and carbohydrates.
The executive director of the Inabie, Victor Castro said changes in the menu of the school meals program are underway to provide nutritionally balanced and healthier dishes to children. Likewise, there is a follow-up plan for children with inadequate nutritional status to improve their health.
The Inabie is no longer purchasing sugary nectars that Castro says have contributed to the high obesity rate. He spoke of the possible inclusion of fruits and other more nutritious products. He called for better nutrition in the homes of students.
The nutritional survey covered 53 public schools nationwide that are part of the School Meals Program (PAE). More than 5,000 primary and secondary school students ages 5-19 years were evaluated, with prior authorization from parents and guardians.
Nelson Martinez, Ministry of Public Health Research Director, said that only 10% of the parents said that their children consume vegetables and only 18% consume fruits daily.
65.6% of the parents said that their children consume milk on a weekly basis. 63% of the children eat cereals three or more times a week.
Most of the students said they consume meat on a daily basis. Sausages, sweets, soft drinks, were reportedly consumed more than twice a week. Only 6.9% engage in physical activity.
The study recommended the authorities reinforce nutrition programs, promote the practice of physical education, and implement the necessary changes in the school curriculum to create a new awareness of the importance of balanced and nutritional meals.
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Presidency
N Digital
Diario Libre
18 October 2022