Effect of Habitual Breakfast Consumption on School Performance and Cognitive Ability of School Children Aged 6-15 Years in Khartoum State, Sudan

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Nutrition and Human Nutrition, College of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Islamic Omdurman, Sudan

2 Department of food safety and hygiene, College of Public and Environmental Health,University of Bahri Sudan

3 Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, Shuwaikh Industrial, Kuwait

4 Department of General Studies, College of General Studies, University of Arab Open, Kuwait

5 Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha city , Saudi Arabia

6 Department of Public Health, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Breakfast has been described as the most important meal of the day, contributing substantially to daily nutrient intake and energy needs. Breakfast consumption has an association with learning and better school performance in children. This study identified the effect of habitual breakfast consumption on school performance and cognitive
ability among school children aged 6-15years old in governmental basic schools in Khartoum State, Sudan.
Methods: In a cross-sectional study by cluster multi-stage random sampling, a total of 770 students were enrolled. A designed interview questionnaire, laboratory investigation (hemoglobin and vitamin A levels) together with determination of body mass index (BMI) were undertaken to assess the school performance and cognitive ability in these children.
Results: Sixty-four percent of participants came from poor regions and 29% reported skipping breakfast. Nocturnal visual problems were found among 36% of school children. The BMI of the students indicated that 26.4% were severely underweight and 38.7% were thin. The most common breakfast choices were bread with tameia and milk tea with biscuits (52%). Most school-aged children in primary schools across Khartoum State lacked consistent breakfast habits, often skipping breakfast during the weekdays. The financial situation of their families significantly influenced their breakfast patterns. Regarding academic achievement, 28.7% of the students achieved the pass level and 25.5% showed a weak performance.
Conclusion: It is worth noting that the intervention program can lead to the disappearance of the signs for vitamin A deficiency and a notable improvement in hemoglobin level, nutritional status, school performance, and student attendance.

Keywords

International Journal of Nutrition Sciences
Volume 10, Issue 3 - Serial Number 3
September 2025
Pages 476-486

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