Abstract
Studies suggest that eating breakfast has nutrition and health benefits. While studies on eating breakfast among adolescents are limited, these data are important for planning effective programs for this age group. This study determined the knowledge, attitude, and behavior and the factors that affect the adolescents’ behavior on eating breakfast. This is a cross-sectional study participated in by 100 high school students from two public and two private schools in San Jose, Lagonoy, and Tigaon, Camarines Sur. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and breakfast eating habits of the students. Descriptive statistics were used in discussing the knowledge, attitude, and behavior of students on eating breakfast. Likewise, the Chi-square test was used to determine the relationship between knowledge and attitude and breakfast eating habits of adolescents. Key findings revealed that the demographic profile of the respondents influenced their breakfast intake, which included parents’ educational background and level of knowledge, type of income of the family influenced their food choices, availability, and intake. Mothers take responsibility for preparing breakfast at home. Respondents perceived breakfast intake as important, but they lack time to prepare for school, and dining out is their resort since it is available and instant, feel better and are aware of the nutrient content of the breakfast foods. This study recommends increased knowledge of mothers on breakfast intake health benefits and collaboration with sponsoring agencies in public schools where low-income families are enrolled.
Academic Profile
Prof Annelyn Camato is a registered nutritionist-dietitian, former program director of PSU-Lagonoy Campus who handles major subjects in BS in Nutrition and Dietetics.
