The evaluation of nutrition educational programs and their results: Impact of the GYERE® – Children’s Health Program, socioeconomic status, and social isolation on the nutritional status of 6–12-year-old children
Bartha Kinga Orsolya
Egészségtudományi Tagozat
Dr. Nagy Zoltán Zsolt
SE NET Zöld előadóterem
2026-05-27 12:00:00
Interdiszciplináris alkalmazott egészségtudományok
Dr. Vingender István
Veresné Dr. Bálint Márta, Dr. Lichthammer Adrienn
Dr. Zsákai Annamária
Dr. Horváth Zoltánné
Dr. Szabó László
Dr. Lugasi Andrea
Dr. Biró Lajos
The age period from six to twelve years is a transition period from early childhood into adolescence, with physical and psychological development that affects later life outcomes. Individual and environmental factors influence children’s eating behavior and nutritional status. This research evaluates the effectiveness of the community-based GYERE®-Children's Health program on the nutritional status of 6-12-year-old children. After 2 year follow-up, a decrease in overall mean BMI by -0.21 kg/m² was detected. The prevalence of thinness increased, approaching the national average. The prevalence of overweight decreased by 1%, and obesity rates remained consistent- contrary to the upward trends observed nationally and globally.
The second objective was to compare children’s nutritional knowledge before and after the program. The results show a significant improvement in pupil's knowledge.
We assumed that toward the end of the GYERE® program in Diósgyőr, the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the nutritional status and the lifestyle of children. 46.3% of the children gained weight during social isolation, which had a high association with sleep time, physical activity, food intake, and emotional status of the pupils.
The fourth objective was to assess the association of socioeconomic status of parents and food security with children's consumption of vegetables, fruits, fruit juices, and soft drinks. The children of the high SES groups and from food-secure households consumed fruit and vegetables significantly more frequently than their counterparts from the low categories. Parental demand, allowance (only for food security) and home availability (only for food security) of fruits, home availability of vegetables served with dinner, and eating vegetables with the child (only for SES) were significantly more frequent among high SES and food-secure groups. No significant associations were detected between children’s soft drink intake and food security or socioeconomic status of the parents.
In summary, implementing long-term and adaptable nutrition education programs for school-aged children from diverse socioeconomic levels is essential for promoting healthier eating behaviors, better nutrition, and improved health outcomes.
