RESUMO
Objective: The aim of this study was to improve the dietary intake patterns and food choices of children aged 9-13 years in a periurban community. Methods: Two schools were randomly selected from within this periurban community. A nutrition education programme was implemented over one school term; with the testing of nutrition knowledge occurring pre- and post-intervention; and in the long term; with the experimental group only. A validated 24-hour recall questionnaire was completed pre- and post-intervention by both the control (n = 91) and experimental groups (n = 81); and in the long term; by the experimental group. Food models were used to assist in the estimation of portion sizes and identification of food items. The questionnaire was analysed using the computer software programme FoodFinder 3; with means and standard deviations calculated for macro- and micronutrients; and comparisons made with dietary reference intakes for specific age groups. A list was drawn up of the 20 most commonly consumed food items; based on weights consumed. Paired t-tests were conducted to assess significance in dietary intake and food choices after the intervention. Correlations between knowledge and dietary choices were determined among the experimental group in the long-term measurements. Results: Correlations linked protein intake to knowledge of proteins; and vitamin C intake to knowledge of fruit and vegetables. Fruit and vegetable intake remained very low. Refined sugars and fat were still consumed among the experimental group. The diet for both groups was based on carbohydrates. Conclusions: The objective of changing the dietary intake patterns of the children was not achieved. The intake of legumes; fruit and vegetables remained low. The lack of variety in intake results in a diet that does not meet the daily requirements of children
Assuntos
Criança , Comportamento Alimentar , Instituições AcadêmicasRESUMO
Objective: The aim of this study was to improve the dietary intake patterns and food choices of children aged 9-13 years in a periurban community. Methods: Two schools were randomly selected from within this periurban community. A nutrition education programme was implemented over one school term; with the testing of nutrition knowledge occurring pre- and post-intervention; and in the long term; with the experimental group only. A validated 24-hour recall questionnaire was completed pre- and post-intervention by both the control (n = 91) and experimental groups (n = 81); and in the long term; by the experimental group. Food models were used to assist in the estimation of portion sizes and identification of food items. The questionnaire was analysed using the computer software programme FoodFinder 3; with means and standard deviations calculated for macro- and micronutrients; and comparisons made with dietary reference intakes for specific age groups. A list was drawn up of the 20 most commonly consumed food items; based on weights consumed. Paired t-tests were conducted to assess significance in dietary intake and food choices after the intervention. Correlations between knowledge and dietary choices were determined among the experimental group in the long-term measurements. Results: Correlations linked protein intake to knowledge of proteins; and vitamin C intake to knowledge of fruit and vegetables. Fruit and vegetable intake remained very low. Refined sugars and fat were still consumed among the experimental group. The diet for both groups was based on carbohydrates. Conclusions: The objective of changing the dietary intake patterns of the children was not achieved. The intake of legumes; fruit and vegetables remained low. The lack of variety in intake results in a diet that does not meet the daily requirements of children
Assuntos
Criança , Comportamento Alimentar , Instituições AcadêmicasRESUMO
Objectives: To determine the nutrition knowledge and nutritional status of primary school children attending a purposively selected school in rural QwaQwa.Setting: A purposively selected public school (n = 540) in QwaQwa.Subjects: A convenience sample of all 142 school pupils; aged from nine to thirteen years.Outcome measures: The measuring instruments included a nutrition knowledge questionnaire to determine the current nutrition knowledge;and a 24-hour recall to determine food and nutrient intakes. Anthropometric measurements included weight and height; measured using standard methodologies.Results: The mean age of the respondents was 11.2 years; and all had deficient intakes of all the nutrients; except for protein; carbohydrates and thiamine. However; 53.1; 17.1and 14.3of the respondents did not meet 100of EAR for protein; carbohydrates and thiamine respectively. The anthropometric results indicated that 2.8of the total group of respondents was severely stunted; and that 11.3were stunted. The BMI-for-age indicated that 12.0were overweight; and more so among the girls (15.7) than the boys (8.3). The respondents showed average nutrition knowledge in the majority of the questions. Conclusions: This study observed malnutrition and average nutrition knowledge; with many gaps relating to aspects; such as the role of the various food groups in the diet and safe hygiene practices
Assuntos
Criança , Conhecimento , Estado Nutricional , Instituições AcadêmicasRESUMO
Objectives: To determine the nutrition knowledge and nutritional status of primary school children attending a purposively selected school in rural QwaQwa.Setting: A purposively selected public school (n = 540) in QwaQwa.Subjects: A convenience sample of all 142 school pupils; aged from nine to thirteen years.Outcome measures: The measuring instruments included a nutrition knowledge questionnaire to determine the current nutrition knowledge;and a 24-hour recall to determine food and nutrient intakes. Anthropometric measurements included weight and height; measured using standard methodologies.Results: The mean age of the respondents was 11.2 years; and all had deficient intakes of all the nutrients; except for protein; carbohydrates and thiamine. However; 53.1; 17.1and 14.3of the respondents did not meet 100of EAR for protein; carbohydrates and thiamine respectively. The anthropometric results indicated that 2.8of the total group of respondents was severely stunted; and that 11.3were stunted. The BMI-for-age indicated that 12.0were overweight; and more so among the girls (15.7) than the boys (8.3). The respondents showed average nutrition knowledge in the majority of the questions. Conclusions: This study observed malnutrition and average nutrition knowledge; with many gaps relating to aspects; such as the role of the various food groups in the diet and safe hygiene practices