Perception of Nutritional Education among School Administrators, Parents, and School Nutrition Teachers at an Elementary School

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to compare the perception of nutritional education among school administrators, parents, and school nutrition teachers at an elementary school. Questionnaires were distributed to 450 subjects (150 school nutrition teachers, 150 school administrators, and 150 parents) from June 15 to June 30, 2009, and 309 (84 school nutrition teachers, 104 administrators, and 121 parents) were analyzed. The results of this study were as follows. First, school nutrition teachers' perceived level (4.54) of importance of nutritional education was significantly (P<0.001) higher compared to school administrators (4.10) and parents (3.97). Second, demand for revitalization of nutritional education as perceived by parents (3.23) was significantly (P<0.001) higher compared to school nutrition teachers (2.61) and school administrators (2.51). Third, parents' satisfaction level of elementary school nutritional education was 3.23, followed by those of school administrators (2.83) and school nutrition teachers (2.50). There were significant differences in terms of satisfaction of elementary school nutritional education between school administrators, parents, and school nutrition teachers (P<0.001). Fourth, school nutrition teachers' demand for revitalization of nutritional education was significantly (P<0.001) higher at 4.24 compared to both parents (3.76) and school administrators (3.46). Fifth, with regards to bolstering nutritional education in elementary schools, it was deemed necessary for each school to have a school nutrition teacher. In conclusion, perception of nutritional education varied among school administrators, parents, and school nutrition teachers. In conclusion, a communication network between school administrators, parents, and school nutrition teachers should be established for revitalization of nutritional education at elementary schools.