The purpose of this study was to investigate the situation and relevant factors related to the unbalanced diet of 1,161 preschool children aged from 3 to 6 years in Shizuoka City in October, 2005. The findings of the study were as follows :
1 The prevalence of an unbalanced diet was about 60% in the 3 to 4-year-olds and about 40% in the 5 to 6-year-olds.
2 Among the 3 to 4-year-olds, those with an unbalanced diet had a higher proportion of children with the cavity and a slender build. However, among the 5 to 6-year-olds, having an unbalanced diet had a small effect on the children's physique and health.
3 Among the 3 to 4-year-olds, a delay in weaning and improper selection of food and cooking methods during infancy affected the prevalence of an unbalanced diet.
4 Children with an unbalanced diet tended to have an erratic lifestyle or lack independence.
5 Mothers of children with an unbalanced diet had low concern and took less practical steps with regard to their children's eating habits.
These results revealed the necessity of providing support to mothers about weaning and children's lifestyle and eating habits in order to reduce the number of children with an unbalanced diet. Thus, it is important to provide the support according to the dietary awareness and child-rearing attitude of mothers.
