The effects of nutrition education on attitudes and behaviors of children regarding fruits and vegetables

Abstract

Nutrition has a major impact on the growth and development of children and therefore plays an important role in their lives. One part of proper nutrition is the consumption of five fruits and vegetables a day. Children currently eat an average of only 3.4 servings of fruit and vegetables a day. Therefore, education is needed in order to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables by children. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a child who participates in a nutritional curriculum has improved nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding fruits and vegetables. One hundred and thirty - five students, representing ages five through twelve, approximately grades three through five, from four counties across the state of Texas participated in the study from May 2000 to August 2000. Students' nutritional knowledge regarding fruits and vegetables was measured with an eleven-question exam and four interview questions. Their nutritional attitudes were investigated with a fruit and vegetable preference questionnaire and their eating behavior was measured by one interview question. Statistically significant differences were found between pretest and posttest scores of the knowledge section. After completing the curriculum, students, regardless of age, ethnicity, or county of residence, had increased knowledge about the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables. Fruit and vegetable attitude scores were high at the beginning of the study and remained high at the end of the study with no significant change being detected. Fruit and vegetable consumption also increased significantly from pretest to posttest in that students were reporting eating healthier snacks at the end of the study.