Survey of eating habits among 4-12 year-old children in Taiwan area - NAHSIT 1993-1996

In order to investigate the eating habits of children in Taiwan and the influence of sex, age and living area on children's eating habits, a national survey of eating habits was conducted for 4-12 year-old children. In this survey, a stratified multistage random sampling method was used to select samples. The total of 359 counties and cities in Taiwan were divided into seven areas (Hakka area, Mountainous area, East Coast area, Penghu islands, Metropolitan cities, Provincial cities and Urbanization class I townships and Urbanization class II townships). In each area, three counties or cities were randomly sampled. The survey was carried out in spring, summer and winter to control for seasonal variations. About 80% of children ate breakfast everyday. Most (88-98%) of the caregivers felt their children had a fair appetite. About 30-50% of children ate breakfast alone. Nearly 80% of children ate dinner with their families or parents. More than half of 4-6 year-old children often ate additional meal; this was lower for 7-12 year-old children. Milk, soft drinks, cake and sweet food, toast and steamed bread were major choices for additional meals and snacks. Eating habits were influenced by living areas.