The purpose of the national Youth Nutrition Survey (NRT) is to monitor the food consumption, nutrient intake, nutritional status, and eating behaviour of young people aged 12–18, as well as socioeconomic differences in diet.
Goals
The aim is to examine young people's
- food consumption
- nutrient intake
- nutritional status
- socioeconomic differences in food consumption and eating behaviour in different parts of Finland.
The information will be used to support health promotion and reduction of health inequalities, as well as national and municipal decision-making.
Implementation
Data collection was carried out in educational institutions during the 2024–2025 academic year. More than 2,000 lower secondary school pupils and upper secondary students from 22 different municipalities took part in the study.
The young people’s dietary interviews were conducted on school premises during school days. Each participant completed two dietary interviews, and their weight, height, and body composition were measured, and they filled in a questionnaire. In addition, blood samples were taken from some participants to determine nutritional status. The data collected in the study will be supplemented with information available from national registers.
Privacy notice for the Youth nutrition study
In autumn 2024, data collection was also carried out within Vamos activities, in State reform schools, and in children’s homes. More than 120 young people aged 15–29 took part in the study, and the data collection consisted of one 48 h dietary interview and a questionnaire.
Funding
EU, Finland’s Sustainable Growth Programme 2022–2025, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MMM), Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (STM), THL.
Partners
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MMM), Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (STM), Finnish Environment Institute (Syke)
Contact details
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