scholarly journals Nutrition Education in the Australian New South Wales Primary School Curriculum: Knowledge and Attitudes of Students and Parents

Children ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 24
Author(s):  
Nienke de Vlieger ◽  
Jolien van Rossum ◽  
Nicholas Riley ◽  
Andrew Miller ◽  
Clare Collins ◽  
...  

In NSW, Australia, the views of primary-school aged children and their parents in regard to the importance of nutrition education at school are unclear. The aim of the current study was to explore children’s knowledge of nutrition and eating habits and to identify gaps that future school nutrition education programs could target. Students aged 9 to 12 years and their parents (n = 21 dyads) were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews, complete a nutrition knowledge questionnaire, and perform a “healthy-unhealthy” food sorting task in a University food laboratory. Among the children, nutrition knowledge scores concerning “serves & portions” of common foods were lowest, identifying a gap in knowledge related to portion size. All children categorized fruits, vegetables, cola, and water correctly as “healthy” or “unhealthy” in the sorting task, but not for the sausage and muesli bar, suggesting that further support categorising processed foods may be needed. The interviews indicated that parents do actively try to teach their children about nutrition, although they reported feeling uncertain about their own level of nutrition knowledge. Children and parents indicated that there is very little nutrition education in school and more is needed. This research could be used to inform future curriculum components related to nutrition education for primary school children.

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Berit M. Follong ◽  
Elena Prieto-Rodriguez ◽  
Andrew Miller ◽  
Clare E. Collins ◽  
Tamara Bucher

Abstract Background Nutrition education programs in schools have been effective in improving children’s knowledge and behaviours related to food and nutrition. However, teachers find it challenging to implement such programs due to overcrowded curricula. Integrating nutrition with core subjects such as mathematics could potentially address time constraints and improve the learning of both. The primary aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to evaluate the impact of a cross-curricular nutrition and mathematics program on primary school students’ portion size estimation skills. Secondary aims include impact on their nutrition knowledge, attitudes towards mathematics and evaluating the quality of the lessons. Methods Twelve Year 3–4 classes from Catholic schools in New South Wales, Australia will be randomised to intervention (n = 6) or control (n = 6) groups. Teachers in the intervention group will receive a professional development workshop and resources to teach 4–5 lessons on portion size and measurements across 1–4 weeks. Outcome measures include portion size estimation skills, nutrition knowledge and attitudes towards mathematics, with data collected during three school visits (pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention, 4 weeks post-intervention). Additionally, teaching quality will be assessed in both intervention and control groups and process evaluation undertaken using teacher interviews and student focus groups. Discussion This RCT uses an innovative approach to improve both nutrition and mathematics related learning outcomes among primary school children. It has the potential to impact teaching practices regarding integration of nutrition into curricula and enhance the implementation of nutrition education interventions. Trial registration Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register ACTRN12619001071112 31/07/2019.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gozde Aydin ◽  
Claire Margerison ◽  
Anthony Worsley ◽  
Alison Booth

Abstract Background Primary schools have long been identified as appropriate settings for improving the healthy eating behaviours of children and helping them develop food skills. This qualitative study explored the views of Australian primary school parents and teachers about schools’ strengths and weaknesses in promoting healthy eating and equipping children with food skills. Methods Nineteen parents and 17 teachers from Victoria participated in semi-structured interviews. Audio recordings were transcribed and underwent thematic analysis using Nvivo. Results This study demonstrated that parents and teachers believed that several facilitators helped promote children’s healthy eating. These included food and nutrition education (FNE) programs, the community-based nature of schools, and teacher role modelling and the authority schools possess over children. Time scarcity, lack of teacher expertise, lack of leadership and funding were reported as barriers. School food environments such as canteens, lunch orders, fundraising events and school fairs were identified as both weaknesses and strengths by parents and teachers, which indicated inconsistent implementation of school nutrition policies across schools. Conclusions Australian primary schools demonstrate some useful efforts to promote healthy eating among children. However, there are numerous facilitators and barriers which impact on the promotion of healthy eating. These factors need to be addressed in order to develop healthy eating habits further among elementary students. These results provide directions for policymakers and school managers, as they point to the areas that need to be improved to assist the design of schools that better promote healthy eating among children.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tafirenyika Mafugu

Abstract Background Poor nutrition has been associated with lack of nutrition education, which leads to chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, obesity and coronary artery diseases. The objectives of the study were to evaluate learners’ knowledge of nutrition education principles and to determine how the knowledge of nutrition principles could be improved among learners. Methods Mixed methods cross-sectional research with application of semi-structured face-to-face interviews and a structured questionnaire were used to collect data. Eight stake-holders participated in the qualitative component of the study while 108 learners from 8 different schools responded to the questionnaire. The qualitative data was analyzed by coding and categorizing the data into themes and sub-themes while the quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS yielding frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations. Results A significant proportion of learners lacked the nutrition knowledge due to the absence of health promotion campaigns in the schools and teaching of the nutrition principles was only limited to Life Science in the high school curriculum. Majority (56%) of the learners were taught nutrition education at primary school mainly in the Life Orientation curriculum while less than 2% were taught in grade 11 and 12. About 92% of the learners were not aware of the nutritional value of fruits, vegetables, milk and fats. Conclusions Incorporation of nutrition education in a compulsory subject in high school and in-school nutrition education sessions in school gatherings that involve various stakeholders is critical in improving the nutrition knowledge of stakeholders. Such interventions will assist in curbing diet related chronic diseases.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 200
Author(s):  
RAHMITA YANTI

The main nutritional problems facing the Indonesian government one of Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). West Sumatra province found the prevalence of enlarged adenoids school children is still high which ranges from 12% -44,1% and Total Goiter Rate also high in the coastal region. This study aims to determine the factors cause iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) and relationship to nutritional status of primary school children 36 Singgalang Tanah Datar.This type of research is Case Control. The study population are the all of primary school children 36 Singgalang Tanah Datar, aged 9-12 years who suffered goiter examined palpation. The sample consisted of 30 cases and 30 controls. Sampling was done by purposive sampling technique. Data were processed using univariate, bivariate with chisquare test.The research results revealed there is relationship IDD to nutritional status of primary school children 36 Singgalang Tanah Datar (p = 0,034 (95% CI: 1,2 to 11,4)), an related of iodine intake (p = 0,016 (95% CI: 1,5 -14,4)), goitrogenik intake (p = 0,039 (95% CI: 1,2-9,9)), the quality of salt (p = 0,038 (95% CI: 1,2 to 10,2)), socioeconomic status (p = 0,02 (95% CI: 1,4-11,8), and the level of parents knowledge (p = 0,039 (95% CI: 1,2 to 9,9)) with iodine deficiency disorder. While variable which is not related to iodine deficiency disorder is the parents education level p = 0,77 (p value> 0,05)This study concluded that there is relationship IDD to nutritional status and there are relationship iodine intake, goitrogenik, salt quality, socioeconomic status, and level of knowledge of parent with iodine deficiency disorder. Need for nutrition counseling conducted by the health promotion officers regularly about the importance of the use of iodized salt for children's growth and nutrition education in the family menu processing so as to improve the nutritional status of children at the household levelKeywords : Iodine deficiency disorder, nutritional status, school children


2004 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 271-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrin Kreisel

AbstractObjective:To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of using a computer-based teaching tool (http://www.coolfoodplanet.org) for nutrition and lifestyle education developed for primary school children.Design:This was a 2-week school-based intervention in third and fourth grades. The study design was multi-factorial with repeated measures of nutrition knowledge, at three points in time, of dependent samples from control and intervention groups. Control schools (n=7) used ‘traditional’ nutrition education materials and intervention schools (n=8) additionally used the computer-based educational tool. Qualitative information was collected in focus group discussions with student teachers and pupils, and by observing the nutrition lessons.Setting/subjects:Pupils aged 8–11 years (n=271) from participating schools in Vienna, Austria.Results:Nutrition knowledge increased significantly in both intervention and control schools, irrespective of the teaching tool used (P<0.001). The significant effect was maintained at 3 months' follow-up. There was no detectable difference in nutrition knowledge post intervention or at follow-up between the two study groups. In intervention schools, younger pupils (8–9 years) had better nutrition knowledge than older pupils (10–11 years) (P=0.011).Conclusion:This computer-based tool increases the possibilities of school-based nutrition education. If the tool's weaknesses identified during the formative evaluation are eliminated, it has the potential to make learning about nutrition more enjoyable, exciting and effective. This is of great importance considering that ‘healthy’ nutrition is not necessarily a topic that easily attracts pupils' attention and in view of the potential long-term health benefits of early and effective nutrition education.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danilo C. Noronha ◽  
Monique I. A. F. Santos ◽  
Adrianny A. Santos ◽  
Lizia G. A. Corrente ◽  
Rúbia K. N. Fernandes ◽  
...  

Nutrition education is one of the factors that may help to promote behavior change and therefore may improve the dietary habits of adolescent soccer players. However, information about the relationship between nutrition knowledge (NK) and the dietary behavior of these athletes is scarce. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the eating habits of adolescent soccer players and analyse the correlations among dietary intake and NK. Seventy-three Brazilian adolescent soccer players (aged 14–19 years), from four professional clubs, underwent anthropometric evaluation and completed 3-day food records. Misreporting of energy intake was evaluated and the dietary intake data were energy-adjusted and compared with recommendations for athletes and dietary reference intakes. The athletes also answered a questionnaire about barriers for healthy eating and a nutrition knowledge test divided into three sections: Basic Nutrition Knowledge (BNK), Sports Nutrition Knowledge (SNK), and Food Pyramid Nutrition Knowledge (FPNK). The participants showed a low NK (54.6%) and an inadequate intake of fruits, vegetables, dairy, carbohydrates, and micronutrients. A positive correlation was found between the ingestion of phosphorus and FPNK as well as among calcium and both SNK and Total NK (p<0.05). Sodium intake was negatively correlated with all categories of the NK test (p<0.05). The adolescents reported that the principal barriers for adopting a healthy diet were the lack of willpower and a busy lifestyle. In this context, nutrition education is recommended and should also provide practicable healthy eating goals according to athletes´ lifestyle as well as target motivational barriers to increase adherence.


2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parisa Keshani ◽  
Seyed Mohammad Mousavi ◽  
Zahra Mirzaei ◽  
Zeinab Hematdar ◽  
Najmeh Maayeshi ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 61
Author(s):  
Sintha F S ◽  
Nadya Anggraeni

Guidelines for balanced nutrition began to be introduced and socialized more than 15 years ago. Guidelines for balanced nutrition apply to every stage of age including school-aged children. Education of balanced nutrition is still little given to school-aged children. According to some research is still a lot of prevalence of knowledge of balanced nutrition is lacking. In the study conducted Zulaekah (2012) showed that as many as 57.7% of primary school children have a lack of nutrition knowledge. This study aims to determine whether there is influence of nutrition education by using Comic media on knowledge of balanced nutrition. In this research use quasy experimental research design with time series design design. This research is done by using comic print media which contains about 4 messages of balanced nutrition, that is variation of food, the importance of clean life, the importance of active lifestyle and exercise, and the importance of monitoring the weight which is visualized in a tumpeng gizi seimbang (TGS). Statistical analysis of data using t-dependent test. The result of t-dependent test shows that there is an increase of average value of knowledge before and after giving comic 36,36. In this research, balanced comic nutrition media can increase the average knowledge of schoolchild by 34,36 or 72,15%.


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