The Impact of Including Whole Eggs as a Supplementary Source of Protein on the Academic Performance of Thai Children in Primary Schools
Keywords:
Eggs, Dietary patterns, Children , Academic performanceAbstract
Studies have demonstrated that eggs promote growth and alleviate malnutrition due to their abundant nutritional composition. This study aimed to assess the impact of egg consumption on the academic performance of Thai school-age children. A whole egg refers to a single chicken egg, which includes both the egg white and the egg yolk, weighing approximately 50 grams without shell. The sample consisted of over a thousand students who were currently enrolled in grades 1st to 6th in two government schools in Thailand, encompassing both large and small schools. The children were selected randomly using stratified random sampling. The main guardian filled out a survey, which functioned as a research tool and examined the dietary habits of students. The process of data collection commenced in 2023. The data analysis involved employing Pearson's correlation, calculating percentages, determining mean values and standard deviation, and conducting one-way ANOVA and post-hoc analysis.
The study's results indicated that children who consistently ingested an average of 60 to 90 whole eggs per month exhibited excellent academic performance and had the greatest average height compared to other groups of children in grades 1st to 2nd. During the 3rd grade, children start adapting to the school environment, and the significance of growth and nutrition has diminished. There was no significant alteration in GPA from grades 4th to 6th as a result of growth and nutrition. It was observed that students in every grade who eat 5 eggs per month attained a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.80 (GPA is a number representing the average value of the accumulated final grades earned in courses over time, usually ranging between 0 and 4.0.). The results suggest that there was a significant difference in the academic performance of students who ingested different quantities of whole eggs per month (20, 30, 60, and 90) when compared to the group of students who consumed only
5 whole eggs per month (P-value < .0001). This study suggests that it is advisable for children to consume meals on a regular basis and incorporate one egg into each meal. Children in the 4th to 6th grades begin to cultivate the ability to think logically and coherently, as well as have a more profound comprehension of how to utilize technology. At this stage of development, teachers and parents should actively promote and counsel their children on the prudent use of technology.
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