Family and child correlates of nutrition knowledge and dietary quality were examined using fifth- and seventh-grade students. Results indicate higher scores on nutrition knowledge from older, more intelligent, and White subjects. Higher scores on a measure of dietary quality were achieved from younger, more intelligent subjects with working…

A study examined food preferences and intake frequencies of 70 Vietnamese refugee children. Results, which tended to differ according to age and length of time in the United States, are discussed along with recommendations and implications for school health educators. (CJ)

Study investigated whether high-fat food consumption and low physical activity were risk factors for obesity in third graders. Tests revealed a greater prevalence of childhood obesity in 1985 than in 1976-80. Neither intake nor activity level were independent risk factors, but there may be synergistic effects with both present. (SM)

Ideal measurement of food use in school-aged children possesses validity, reliability, interpretability, and feasibility. The article discusses dietary records and recalls and measures of patterns in food use. Issues to consider when constructing children's food frequency are food list, time intervals, response set, context of questioning, and…

Focus groups were used to examine ninth graders' participation in school nutrition programs, their opinions about the programs, and suggestions for improvements. Students expressed intense dislike and distrust of school meals. Suggestions for improvement included improving food's taste and appearance, serving a wider variety and more fresh fruits…

Poor dietary habits, rising rates of overweight students, and lack of oversight of vending contracts prompted the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to develop and implement 2 of the most comprehensive nutrition policies in the country. The Healthy Beverage Resolution and Obesity Prevention Motion limit the types of and access to…

Current results suggest the need to reconsider the rationale of attempts to reinforce the nutritional status of many Negro and some white school children through the continued heavy reliance on school milk programs, and its strong emphasis on milk consumption. Presented at the American School Health Association, October, 1972. (Author)

This article reports on a study undertaken to determine if overweight, mentally retarded students could safely lose weight and maintain their individual losses through a given time period (six months). School personnel and parents instituted minor changes in nutrition and a simple activity program. (Authors/JMK)

A manual on nutrition during pregnancy and lactation was developed and used with pregnant teenagers. Evaluation of the program showed that, while participants' knowledge of nutrition improved, their eating habits did not. The need for behavioral assessment of nutrition education programs is pointed out. (Author/PP)

Examined race, ethnic, and gender specific differences in the association between television viewing and high school students' overweight, decreased physical activity, and unhealthy dietary behaviors. Data from the 1999 Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicated that most students' television viewing exceeded recommended levels, many students were…

Used data from the National Longitudinal Adolescent Health Survey to examine whether female adolescents who were attempting weight loss differed from those were not attempting weight loss with respect to several psychosocial factors. Results indicated significant differences between dieters and nondieters. Self-esteem was the strongest…

A school nurse describes her participation in a new school-wide study of nutrition. Purposely choosing to work with young children (kindergarten and first grade) she held discussions on the nutritional need of babies and pets, planned and evaluated menus with the children, and played a nutrition game wherein children played the part of different…

Dental disease, especially tooth decay, is reaching epidemic proportions among children of school age. Since sugar is a major cause of tooth decay and since many confections are sold in schools, it is recommended that schools remove confections and other nonnutritional food items from vending machines, fund-raising activities, and food services.…

A school-based cholesterol-reduction intervention for primary grade students in New York City public schools offered a workshop to teach those with high total serum cholesterol values to identify negative health consequences of high-fat diets. Results indicate that school-site cholesterol reduction interventions for high-risk individuals are…

This article reviews research from published studies on the association between nutrition among school-aged children and their performance in school and on tests of cognitive functioning. Each reviewed article is accompanied by a brief description of its research methodology and outcomes. Articles are separated into 4 categories: food…