| Popis: |
Out-of-home (OH) eating has been identified as one of the many contributing factors to obesity because of its increasing association with higher energy intakes. In Irish children in 2003,77% ate OH with their families at least once per week. Therefore, the aim of this thesis was to assess the role and impact of OH eating on children's diets to inform future measures that could support healthier OH food choices. National nutrition and health related policies (/155) were reviewed for guidelines on providing healthier OH food for children in the private sector. Few policies considered the private sector and those that did predominantly highlighted the impliance of providing nutrition information for consumers. Analysis of children' s menus (/1106) in the private sector revealed a paucity of healthier items for children, however this may reflect consumer demand. Subsequent discussions with parents (24 focus groups) and children (48 friendship pairs) showed that eating in the private sector was mainly viewed as a treat for families and nutritional quality was not a priority in food choice decisions. Parents also provided insight into facilitators that may improve the nutritional quality of food targeted specifically at children. Primary schools (/120) were more likely than post-primary schools (n10; P |
