Nutrition in Primary Schools - Research Paper Example

Nutrition in Primary Schools Name: Date: Affiliation: Table of contents Title Page…………………………………………………………………………………………1 Table of Contents…………………………………………………………………………...……2 List of Tables and figures ….........................................................................................................3 Abstract …………………………………………………………………………………………..4 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………4 Literature Review………………………………………………………………………………..6 Methodology……………………………………………………………………………………...9 Research design…............................................................................................................10 Sources of data………………………………………………………………………….11 Sampling procedures…………………………………………………………………...12 Methods and instruments of data collection…………………………………………..12 Statistical treatment to be used………………………………………………………...13 Analysis of Data……………………………………………………………...............................13 Summary and Conclusions………………………………………………………………….....15 References ………………………………………………………………………………………17 Appendix………………………………………………………………………………………...19 List of tables and figures respondents Lack of parental initiative Culture of the UAE people Income from parents student recklessness teachers 6 4 7 3 educationists 6 6 4 4 students 5 15 3 2 30 parents, 15 5 4 6 Nutrition in Primary Schools Abstract It is evident that the entire government schools in UAE have experienced a problem of poor nutrition for quite a long time. The research paper seeks to explain what why government schools have been having the challenge of poor nutrition in UAE. Moreover, the research paper explains other kind of a nutrition problem that exists in UAE public schools, and the nutrition that is evident. According to the finding from the research, the poor nutrition is attributed to the excessive consumption of the junk foods, and that is highly affiliated to the parents. Parents have little or no influence on what children know at school hence contributing to the bigger challenge of poor nutrition. Through, they are other causes that are related to the above-mentioned case, and they include student recklessness, income from parents and the culture of UAE. Conglomeration of all these factors contributes to the problem of poor nutrition in public schools. Introduction The United Arab Emirates has a vibrant economy based on tourism and oil exportation among other foreign exchange earners (Bell, 2013). Due to its strong economic muscle, the UAE can afford to take care of the needs of its citizens without much trouble. One of the areas where the UAE excels is in food security. Both adults and children have food to eat and to spare. However, the availability of much food has turned to be a disadvantage especially to children in public schools. Many children are obese and overweight and suffer from diabetes because they over-indulge in consumption of non-nutritious food (Simopoulos, 2005). Public schools lack proper feeding and nutrition programs through which the UAE can ensure that children practice good feeding habits. Consequently, the UAE is known for its poor nutrition especially in government schools. Children are allowed the freedom of eating anything they like (choosing the junk food that is sweet without taking into account the nutritious value of that food.). This freedom makes many of them eat too much junk food that leads to obesity and overweight situations. Children in public schools over-consume starchy foods such as bread and rice (Haboubi & Shaikh, 2009). The situation seems to have dire consequences on these children, but the UAE government and society seems unable to control it. Children in most of these public schools are likely to suffer from obesity and cardio-vascular related diseases that are fatal. Premature Deaths of these children have been noted for some time and, therefore, it is paramount to appropriate measures to be enhanced in an attempt to control the situation if not stamping out the problem entirely. Many children in United Arab Emirates public schools have poor nutrition that threatens to destroy their academic prospects and health (Flynn 2006). The research paper seeks to find out why there is poor nutrition in government schools in the UAE (Flynn 2006). Overeating results in obesity and overweight conditions that are a big threat to the lives of these children. Being obese, and overweight may at times lead to other health complications such as diabetes, heart problems and high blood pressure among many other cardiovascular related complications (Flynn 2006). The government of the UAE is grappling with how to solve this chalenge it has proved to be a disaster in waiting more especially for the future, bearing in mind that the country relies on these children for the future. Diseases that are affiliates of poor nutrition may at times hinder good academic performance in government schools, and this culminates in the education sector and the future economy of the country (Haboubi & Shaikh 2009). Therefore, it is paramount to understanding why poor nutrition exists in the government schools in the UAE. The understanding will be the genesis of solving the nutrition problem in these schools. The same strategies can also be employed to solve similar problems in private schools and other institutions where similar problem is evident. If the UAE is to have, a strong and healthy workforce to sustain its economy in the days to come, effective and lasting solutions formulated to solve the challenge entirely. Literature review Most parents who have children in government schools are to be blamed for allowing the children to over-rely on junk foods. Almost half of parents in the UAE agree that they allow their children to take junk food (Lewis 2013). This is the ultimate and major contributing factor to the poor state of nutrition in UAE’s government schools. Junk food has many kilocalories and does not contain nutrients needed for nourishing the body. A study done by Lewis (2013) shows that many children in the UAE frequently depend on junk food because many of them are allowed to make a choice of the type of food they want to eat. Cases of malnutrition in government schools are rampant, but this is not the case in private schools (Bell 2013). The absence of proper feeding program in government schools is the cause of malnutrition and unhealthy eating habits. Children are allowed the option of purchasing food whenever they feel hungry. Nutrition and diet experts say that children take lesser nutrients and more calories for the latter part of the day after taking junk food. Eating of junk food causes many health complications in the bodies of the children hence graduating into psychological and physical health. When people consume junk foods for a long, time their arteries can get clogged (Bowman 2007). In addition, junk foods and those foods with high levels of sugar destroy the energy levels in the body and lower the ability of children to concentrate for long. Poor nutrition causes problems such as obesity that result from high blood cholesterol that makes the body vulnerable to various health problems. The challennge of poor nutrition is prevalent in the UAE, and the interesting thing is that both children and adults are affected (Lobstein, Baur & Uauy 2004). According to (UNWFP, 2014) united world food program, the high percentage of the children who are live in UAE regularly suffer from poor nutrition diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Sufyan Ahmad Othman, who is a specialist in nutrition, affirms that most of the people and more especially are likely to suffer from chronic heart disease and diabetes if strict measures are not enhanced. Dr. Sufyan Ahmad addressed the event during the world food day in conjunction with UNWFP where he emphasized the need of parents getting involved in knowing what their children are consuming as food (Haboubi & Shaikh 2009). Moreover, the same report shows that 20-255 of the entire population is diabetic, and this shows that even children are at the risk being infected by the same diseases if correct measures are not enhanced. Shockingly, he reassured that still there are people who are not aware that they are diabetic, and that is challenging not only for them, but also for the government. If people do not know that they are sick, the chance of premature death is high, since the control measures are also minimal (Lewis, 2013). Most of the children in the public schools are diabetic and yet they do not know that they are sick. The situation is dangerous for it cuts short the life of a child through trauma and the sickness. Dr. Othman continues to affirm that the most dangerous thing is not consumption of the fatty food, but it is the over consumption of starchy foods such as bread and rice. Dr. Rashid affirmed that over 500 children and parents visit nutritional each month and that community proves that the challenge might go out of hand soon(Bell, 2014).Don Campbell a member of the UNWFP, asserted that UAE is blessed with enough food to eat, but the problem of overeating and obesity are biting the people highly. As a result, UNWFP has initiated a program that will ensure that people are educated accordingly hence reducing the cases of overweight and obesity in homes and public schools respectively. According to Ismail 2013, poor diet in public schools and the public have culminated in reduced life expectancy. He continues to affirm that Latefa Al Mazrui was not surprised to know that poor diet (junk food and excessive consumption of carbohydrates) were among the contributing factors of reduced life expectancy. The Emirati nutritionists have witnessed cases where adults have neglected their life and that of the children. A study done by the institute for health metrics and evaluation in the Washington university also acknowledge that community wide intervention is necessary to make sure that the challenges are solved. The study found out that parents are living unhealthy lives and their practices have affected their children. Children frequently buy and consume what they are accustomed to eating. They buy pizza, and other food stuffs since their parents have approved that they are useful. Therefore, if parents could only change the practices, that would affect directly to the children hence reducing cases of poor feeding habits amongst them. The study continued to affirm that children are given foods that have the high content of sugar and color additives and consequently leading to hyperactivity and ultimate development of chronic diseases (Ismail, 2013). Ismail (2013), continues to affirm that parents should not give up and instead they should be persistent and come up with ways and means that will ensure their children are eating healthy food. He said, “Children are fond of eating something from a package and, therefore, parents should pack a fruit or something of the same kind just to ensure the child eating a healthy diet. “in the same breath, the maid and caregivers should be taught the same skills to ensure that whatever they give to the kids is healthy in the long run. The culture of the people living in UAE accepts gaining of weight to approximately 15kgs, and that is a “bad habit." For instance, pregnant mothers will take a chance and eat excessively hence leading to excessive gaining and it even becomes hard to shed off the weight after birth. According to the above mentioned study, most of the diseases in UAE are affiliated to body mass index, and it indicates body fatness that is based on person’s height and weight. High body mass is usually linked to the cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and some musculoskeletal disorders hence proving that the weight is detrimental to health. Dietary risks are also other contributing factors that are followed by high intake of glucose after fasting (Ismail, 2014). The risk factors that were noted were arranged on the basis of contribution to the disability –adjusted years and also the number of years that were lived with disability and finally the years that were lost, as a result, of premature death amongst the entire population in year 2010. According Ali Mokdad, who is a professor in the global institute of health, the results were attributed to changes in lifestyle and substantial shift to the western foods. People have started eating more food and becoming less active compared to the previous generations that were much active among the Arab community. The changes in lifestyle have culminated in escalated levels of obesity and heart illness in the end (Ismail, 2014). Methodology Research methodology is a general term that is used to describe the collective process of carrying out research. There are various methodologies that are used in several types of research and the term is normally considered to involve research design gathering of the data, and the data analysis. Research methodologies may be quantitative or qualitative. In circumstances of quantitative research, the practices may be measuring the number of children who are obese, no of times a child eats in a day among other practices that may involve counting. On the other hand, qualitative research is also applicable in circumstances where one may ask people about their feelings concerning a particular issue. For example asking school kid how they feel about the pizza, some will say that they love the pizza while others will say that they do not love the pizza. It is all about feelings, and this qualifies it to be qualitative. Ideally, comprehensive research should try to incorporate qualitative and quantitative approach though at times it is not always possible to do that (Robertson, 2009). The good thing about research methodology is that research methods are always compatible with different situations hence its paramount to know the best method that is suitable in a particular hypothesis or question. Unsuitable research method may be used, and that translates to the unsuitable research in the end. Research methods should be a mix of ideas and concepts that are utilized in order to determine neutral observation and the analysis of the truth situation (Simopoulos 2005). Research design As posited above, there was different research designs which include qualitative and quantitative. Quantitative method is usually utilized for the study, and qualitative research is normally utilized in interviews observations, focus groups and few questionnaires case studies and subjective reports. On the other hand, Quantative research frequently uses the standard format with few and minor interdisciplinary differences in generating a hypothesis to be proved or disapproved. The hypothesis must always be provable using mathematical and statistical means and forms the basis through which the entire experiment is based on. Quantative research is frequently concerned with testing of the hypotheses that is derived from a given theory or being able to estimate the size of the phenomenon interest (Denicolo & Becker, 2012.)Members of the research may be randomly assigned to different treatments that are in line with the project. If this is not feasible, the participant may at times collect data o members and some situational characteristics in order to control the influence on the dependent, variable or outcome. If the intention is generalizing from the research participants to a larger group, the researcher employs sampling probability to select the members. In the study, both quantitative research and qualitative research were used. On the qualitative aspect, the children were asked how they feel about their weight and most of them showed that they were not happy that they were very heavy and could but do some simple tasks that are dome by their friends. Moreover, the children were found to have a particular liking of the junk food that were sold near the school and that contributed to the probability of increased consumption of such foods. Quanitative research was also used especially in the analysis of the questionnaires that were administered to the 100 respondents at random. The entire research design that was adopted is descriptive taking into account that the entire research is more of a case study (Bowman,2007). Sources of data The source of data is a group of people who will provide information to the researcher. In this case, the population is a group of 100 people who were chosen at random. This study was a field study whereby the researcher got involved in the collection of data from respondents. It is both a qualitative and quantitative survey. Data collection was mainly done through primary and secondary research techniques. Primary data was collected through the issuance of questionnaires, interviews and observation. On the other hand, secondary data was gathered from journals, media reports, the internet and books (Punch, 2006). Interviews were done with the use of questionnaires that were expected to serve as a guide to the researcher when conducting the interviews. The researcher will have to travel to different schools, homes and education sector offices in the UAE in order to interview respondents (Denicolo & Becker 2012). Sampling procedures The research sample composed of 100 respondents who were picked at random. The sample composed of 30 parents, 20 teachers, 30 students and 20 education officials to represent the government. All of them were obtained through random sampling because they are mainly located far from each other (Robertson, 2009). Random sampling was used in picking the schools and government offices in the UAE whose parents, teachers and education officials were contacted for the study. A total of 50 schools and 50 government buildings were selected from which the participants come from. Some schools were selected from the rural areas while others will be chosen from the cities (Robertson 2009). Methods and instruments of data collection Data collection was prepared in advance by collecting all the tools needed such as books, pens, questionnaires video and audio recorders and cameras among other necessary equipment. Before the real gathering of data in the field, the researcher conducted a pilot study that was followed by a reconnaissance study (Denicolo & Becker, 2012). He later tested the devices meant to be used in data collection in an attempt to ensure that they are workable. The researcher visited all the schools and government offices scheduled and tried to meet all the respondents in person. However, where not possible he used emails and telephone calls to reach them. This was how the researcher ensured that the research was useful. The main methods of data collection included interviews and filling out questionnaires. Statistical treatment Data processing will be done both qualitatively and quantitatively. The researcher will use the measures of central tendency such as mode, median, mean to process, and analyze quantitative data. For the qualitative data, he will carefully scrutinize and examine the information collected to determine its relevance to the topic. He will then avoid irrelevant information and adopt that which relates to the topic (Denicolo & Becker, 2012). Data analysis Data analysis involves comparing the group scores of the same dependent variable. In the graph and table below, it indicates that research was carried out, and results got as in the table. The data that was retrieved shows that the respondents had various feelings concerning the whole thing but parental initiative was to be blame for poor nutrition in public schools. However, they are other subtle causes lack of parental initiative was considered main causative factor (Bowman, 2007). The table below describes of the results that were achieve after conducting research on teachers, students, parents and education officers o the causes of poor nutrition on public schools in UAE.. respondents Lack of parental initiative Culture of the UAE people Income from parents student recklessness teachers 6 4 7 3 educationists 6 6 4 4 students 5 15 3 2 30 parents, 15 5 4 6 The graph below represents the information in the table above. Summary and conclusion The problem of poor nutrition in public primary schools in UAE is highly evident. The challenge has become a thorn in the flesh and therefore, the research must be carried out to pinpoint the challenges that lead to such circumstances. Extensive research participated by hundred people shows that parental negligence is the main contributing factor of poor nutrition since parents highly influence the behavior of children (Haboubi & Shaikh 2009) If parents adopt appropriate eating habits, it is evident that even children will adopt them. In the research, above, parents allow their children to continue consuming junk food and this contributes to increased cases o of overweight and obesity hence leading to development of cardiovascular related complications and diabetes. Conclusion In conclusion parents should take the initiative and start modifying the feeding habits and that will translate to changed feeding habits for the kids. When children are fed appropriately cases of cardio vascular complication and diabetes will automatically be reduced and hence leading a healthier life. Healthier life translates to productivity and increased life expectancy amongst children and the entire population. However, if the situation is not elevated, premature deaths of productive citizens will continue to be experienced and more especially the productive minds. When children develop diabetes at a tender age of 12 or thirteen, it is likely that other complications will develop in future and therefore, it is important for measures to be enhanced at an early stage. Proper application of such strategies will ultimately ensure that all is good and in line with the set expectations of the country. References Bell J., (2013). One child in three is overweight or obese, UAE study shows. New York (NY): Oxford University Press, p. 452-626. Bell, J. (2014). Poor diet and obesity reduce UAE life expectancy .Retrieved June 11, 2014, from http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/health/poor-diet-and-obesity-reduce-uae-life-expectancy Bowman R. (2007). Evaluating Experiential Nutrition Programs in Elementary Schools. ProQuest. Denicolo P. & Becker L. (2012). Developing Research Proposals. SAGE. Flynn M. (2006). Reducing obesity and related chronic disease risk in children. Obesity Reviews. Vol. 7, Issue 1, pp. 7–66. Haboubi G.J & Shaikh R. (2009). A comparison of the Nutritional Status of Adolescents from Selected of South India and UAE: A cross sectional Study. Indian Journal of Community Med. April; 34(2): 108–111. Lewis R., (2013). The immediate effect fast food has on children. Amazon Publishers. p 45-55. Lobstein T. Baur L & Uauy R., (2004). Obesity in children and young people: a crisis in public health. Obesity Reviews. Vol. 5 issue1, pp. 4–85. Punch K. (2006). Developing Effective Research Proposals. SAGE. Robertson C. (2009). Safety, Nutrition, Health in Early Education. Cengage Learning. Simopoulos A. (2005). Nutrition and Fitness: Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers. Ismail, M. (2014). Poor diet and obesity reduce UAE life expectancy | The National. Poor diet and obesity reduce UAE life expectancy | The National. Retrieved June 11, 2014, from http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/health/poor-diet-and-obesity-reduce-uae-life-expectancy Appendix Survey results: Question 1 (Multi-Choice) How old are you? Option Percentage Total 15-20 5% 1 21-30 60% 12 30 and above 35% 7 Total Answered: 20 Question 2 (Multi-Choice) What is your gender Option Percentage Total Male 35% 7 Female 65% 13 Total Answered: 20 Question 3 (Multi-Choice) What is you education level? Option Percentage Total High School 15% 3 Bachelor's Degree 75% 15 Master's Degree 5% 1 PhD 5% 1 Total Answered: 20 Question 4 (Multi-Choice) Employment status Option Percentage Total Employed 30% 6 Unemployed 70% 14 Retired 0% 0 Total Answered: 20 Question 5 (Multi-Choice) Amount of income in Dhs Option Percentage Total less than 10,000 45% 9 10,000-20,000 15% 3 more than 20,000 40% 8 Total Answered: 20 Question 6 (Multi-Choice) What do you think is the main nutrition problem in public schools in the United Arab Emirates? Option Percentage Total Obesity 50% 10 Anemia 10% 2 Vitamin D dificency 35% 7 Total Answered: 20 Question 7 (Multi-Choice) Why do you think poor nutrition exist in government schools in the Abu Dhabi? Option Percentage Total Lack of control 45% 9 No strict food policies 65% 13 Junk food cheaper 45% 9   0% 0 Total Answered: 20 Question 8 (Multi-Choice) What do you think is the main cause of obesity and overweight conditions among students in government schools? Option Percentage Total Genetic 15% 3 New lifestyle 70% 14 Video games 45% 9 Total Answered: 20 Question 9 (Multi-Choice) Are you aware of any action taken by the UAE government to deal with the problem of poor nutrition in public schools? Option Percentage Total Radio talk show 20% 4 Local political and community meetings 30% 6 Media 55% 11 Nothing 25% 5 Total Answered: 20 Question 10 (Multi-Choice) How do you think poor nutrition can be tackled in government schools? Option Percentage Total Change to healthy food 50% 10 Awareness  for children and parents 45% 9 Supervision 60% 12 Other 0% 0 Total Answered: 20 Question 11 (Multi-Choice) What role can parents play in helping to solve the problem of poor nutrition in government schools? Option Percentage Total Supervision 60% 12 Band junk foods 45% 9 Change their eating behaviors 85% 17 Total Answered: 20 Cover Letter The problem of poor nutrition is rampant in government schools in the UAE. This research has been prompted by the existence of this problem and it seeks to find out why the problem exists. With the use of the questionnaire created, the researcher will obtain information relevant to the topic and use it to answer the research questions. The researcher will go out to discover why poor nutrition exists and how it can be solved. It is expected that the research results will be of help to the UAE government and other stakeholders in the education sector of the UAE. Others researchers will also benefit from the findings . Questionnaire Data Collection Tool Design Cover Letter The problem of poor nutrition is rampant in government schools in the UAE. This research has been prompted by the existence of this problem and it seeks to find out why the problem exists. With the use of the questionnaire created, the researcher will obtain information relevant to the topic and use it to answer the research questions. The researcher will go out to discover why poor nutrition exists and how it can be solved. It is expected that the research results will be of help to the UAE government and other stakeholders in the education sector of the UAE. Others researchers will also benefit from the findings. Questionnaire Part A (Multiple-choice questions) 1. How old are you? Fill appropriately (…...) years. 2. What is your gender (Tick appropriately) a) Male b) Female . 3. Which is the highest level of education you have attained? a) High school b) Bachelor’s degree c) Masters degree d) Ph 4. Employment status a) Employed b) Unemployed b) Retired 5. Amount of income in sterling pounds (Fill appropriately) 6. How many people are in your family a) 1, b) 2, c) 3, d) Many 7. What is your occupation? Fill appropriately (…………….) Questionnaire part B 1. What do you feel is the main nutrition problem in public schools in the United Arab ? 2. Why does poor nutrition exist in government schools in the United Arab Emirates? . 3. What is the main cause of obesity and overweight conditions among students in government schools? 4. Do you think poor nutrition affects the learning of students in government school 5. How do you think poor nutrition affects the learning of children in government schools? 6. How does the UAE government approach the problem of poor nutrition in public 7. Would you say that poor nutrition is a problem whose solutions are within reach? 8. How do you think poor nutrition can be tackled in government schools? 9. What role can parents play in helping to solve the problem of poor nutrition in government schools? Read More