The relationship between consuming a healthy breakfast and academic performance in Maltese primary school children

Abstract

This research study was designed to investigate the benefits of consuming a healthy breakfast in Maltese primary schools. The nutritional content, the level of academic performance and behaviour of children in Maltese primary schools who consume or do not consume breakfast were examined. Questionnaires about children’s breakfast habits were carried out with both male and female children between the ages of seven and eight. A total of twenty five questionnaires were distributed to a year three classroom. Results indicated that 76% of the students consume breakfast in the morning but there is still a considerable amount of students who do not consume anything for breakfast. Results designated that the children's parents, media and food products in supermarkets influenced the children's breakfast consumption. Based on the results obtained from the questionnaires, a total of twelve students were observed, six children who consume breakfast and another six children who do not consume breakfast. The observations were based on the differences between the behaviour and academic performance level of children and its relationship with the breakfast consumption. The children who regularly ate breakfast had better concentration, scored higher during in-class activities, were more alert to give out responses, and had better short term memory.