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Scottish Children's Diet Survey 2010

Monitoring the impact of policy initiatives aimed at improving children’s diet

About this study

This study aims to look at the influences on food choices and eating practices of those aged three to 16 who live in Scotland. It will also measure their intake of saturated fat, total fat and non-milk extrinstic sugars (NMES are sugars added to food).

Current survey methods in Scotland, including the Scottish Health Survey and the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS), don't assess diet in enough detail or in large enough sample sizes to judge progress towards Scottish dietary targets.

This study will sample 1,500 children and young people throughout Scotland and will replicate a similar survey conducted in 2006 (Sugar Intake among Children in Scotland, Sheehy et al 2008). We'll be able to provide an update on changes in the intake levels of NMES and fat since then.

Timeline

Potential policy impact

The Scottish Diet Action Plan calls for NMES to account for less than 10% of children's total energy intake. This study will assist in monitoring the impact of policy initiatives aimed at improving children's diet, such as Hungry for Success (2003) and the Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act 2007.

Timeline

Fieldwork starts: May 2010. Fieldwork ends: September 2010. The report is due on 23 December 2011.

Method

The Food Standards Agency (Scotland) has commissioned this study. It is being conducted in partnership with the University of Aberdeen.

A postal food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) will be sent in advance of a face-to-face interview to gather information on lifestyle and socio-demographics and to measure height, weight and waist.

Additional information will be gathered from 8-16 year olds, exploring the influences on children and young people's food choices and eating habits outside school.

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