J Korean Diet Assoc.  2010 May;16(2):133-145.

A Survey of the Needs of Nutrition Education Based on Analysis of Eating Habits and Nutrition Knowledge among Middle School Students in Kyung-Gi Province

• Choi MK
• Bae YJ
• Kim MH
• In SJ

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the needs of nutrition education based on analysis of the eating habits and nutrition knowledge among middle school students. The survey was conducted on 536 students (boys=216, girls=320) using a questionnaire. The average number of meals consumed was three (67.5%) and 58.0% of students reported having breakfast. Concerning the nutritional knowledge, students showed the highest score (girls, 0.90+/-0.03 and boys 0.82+/-0.04) for items describing the proper diet plan for obesity. Additionally, nutritional knowledge was found to have a significant effect on dietary habits. Regarding the necessity for nutrition education, high response rates for "For normal growth of students (44.8%)" and "Help to select proper food and choose safe food (24.0%)" were observed. Taken together, these findings indicate that consistent and systematic management is required under the institutional support by the school to improve students' perception regarding nutrition and to develop effective nutrition education.

Keyword

needs of nutrition education; eating habits; nutrition knowledge; middle school students

MeSH Terms

Breakfast
Diet
Eating
Food Habits
Humans
Meals
Obesity
Surveys and Questionnaires