International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Saniya Shahana Firdaus, Dr. Vaijayanthi Kanabur, Majida Baig, Thokchom Sughani Devi, Tamanna Hussain
Abstract: The Nutrition-Friendly Schools Initiative (NFSI) is a program developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners in 2006 to provide a framework for ensuring integrated school-based programs which address the double burden of malnutrition (both under nutrition and obesity) and to become the nutrition module of the Health Promoting Schools, by implementing integrated school-based programs that promote healthy eating habits and nutrition education. Objectives: To assess the school curriculum with respect to nutrition and health components; school environment with respect to nutrition; and the school nutrition and health services. Methods: A total sample of 110 schools following different curriculums were selected by random sampling in urban Bengaluru, The research tool developed by WHO (2006) was selected the tool has 26 criteria identified in 5 core components. It was modified to suit local conditions. Results: The finding of the present study showed that all the school curriculums introduce nutrition related topics such as introduction to food from the primary classes and topics such as deficiency diseases and its prevention are taught in-depth in higher classes. Out of 110, 93 per cent (85) of schools have their own playground, 30 per cent (33) have canteen facilities in the campus, 75 per cent (82) of schools have a written nutrition policy and 90 per cent (99) of the schools have a no junk food rule in the campus. The score of nutrition friendly initiatives for schools following different curriculums such as State Government (20), State Private (25), ICSE (25), CBSE (25) and IGCSE (15) ranged from 12-25 out of the 26 criteria. Conclusion: There was a wide variation with respect to nutrition friendly initiatives across different curriculums. The high score reflects a strong commitment to promoting student health and well-being, creating a nutrition friendly environment that supports lifelong healthy habits.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17614981
