ERIC Number: EJ1387420
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
EISSN: EISSN-2168-3751
Effectiveness of a Behavior- and Age-Specific Nutrition Education Intervention to Promote Nutrition Knowledge and Preference for Fruits and Vegetables among Elementary School Children
Saha, Sanjoy; Murimi, Mary; Oldewage-Theron, Wilna
American Journal of Health Education, v54 n3 p198-208 2023
Background: Lack of nutrition knowledge, low preference for fruits and vegetables (F&V), and underdeveloped taste are recognized as modifiable influencers of children's F&V intake. Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of a behavior-and age-specific nutrition education intervention to improve nutrition knowledge and preference for F&V among elementary school children. Methods: In a quasi-experimental pre-and posttest assessment designed study, a six-week nutrition education intervention (including class-based nutrition education, hands-on activities, cooking demonstrations, and tasting) was implemented at four elementary schools. Nutrition knowledge and preference for F&V were evaluated at baseline and after the intervention. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was carried out to examine the differences between baseline and post-assessment. Results: A total of 115 children (3rd-5th grade) completed both baseline and post-assessment. After the intervention, participants showed a significant improvement in nutrition knowledge (mean [± sd] change score: 7.6 ± 3.7, P < 0.001). A significant improvement in F&V preference (Ps < 0.001) was found among the participants after the intervention. Discussion: An age-and behavior-focused nutrition education intervention can improve children's nutrition knowledge and F&V preference. Translation to Health Education Practice: This nutrition education curriculum can be implemented for the child population (age-specific groups) by adapting cultural priorities in nutrition lessons and cooking recipes. A AJHE Self-Study quiz is online for this article via the SHAPE America Online Institute (SAOI) http://portal.shapeamerica.org/trn-Webinars http://portal.shapeamerica.org/trn-Webinars
Descriptors: Health Behavior, Nutrition Instruction, Intervention, Knowledge Level, Eating Habits, Food, Elementary School Students, Program Effectiveness, Developmentally Appropriate Practices, Experiential Learning, Cooking Instruction, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Preferences, Age Differences
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Early Childhood Education; Grade 3; Primary Education; Grade 4; Intermediate Grades; Grade 5; Middle Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A