Cariogenic Food Consumption Behaviors and Associated Factors in Primary School Students Wat Donwai School Tambon Bangkrateuk Amphur Sampran Nakhonpathom Province

Abstract

The objective of this study was to know the cariogenic food consumption behaviors and its associated factors among primary school students, Wat Donwai School in Tambon Bangkrateuk Amphur Sampran, Nakhonpathom province. During June to November 2008, observation, focus group discussion and in-depth interviews were conducted to subjects who were 38 students, 17 parents, 3 teachers and 2 confectionary shopkeepers.The findings were students took 1-4 times a day of cariogenic food and sweet beverage, sweet milk, sour milk, high starch, sweets as well as chocolate candies were their favorites. Factors influencing cariogenic food consumption behaviors were internal personal factors and external factors including social support from families, friends, school and food accessible risk environment. Knowledge for students, changing parents’ value and establishment of good social environment to help students reduce cariogenic food consumption behaviors were suggested.