The Effect of Different Nutrition Education Approaches on Children's Nutritional Status

Abstract

Objective: The study was performed to assess the potential of different educational approaches given to primary school children on their nutritional status. Methods: The study was conducted with all second and third-grade students studying in an elementary school. First, 2 second and third-grade teachers were given nutrition education by the researcher. These teachers gave a healthy nutrition education to their classes for 2 months as indirect education. During the same period, the researcher gave direct nutrition education to other students. Before all education, a questionnaire and food consumption frequency forms were tested on all students. After waiting for 2 months, the food consumption frequency form applied to the students again. Results: While the percentage of students' energy from total fat and saturated fat was decreased at the end of the education, the percentages of energy from monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids were increased (p<0.05). The decrease in percentages of total fat and saturated fat is more efficient in indirect education (p<0.05). Direct nutrition education was more effective in increasing the intake of riboflavin, niacin and vitamin B12, while indirect nutritional education was more effective in increasing the intake of thiamine, A, B6, E and C vitamins (p<0.05). Conclusion: Nutrition education given to children had a positive effect on their h nutritional status. This effect was moderately better through indirect education, and we believe this is due to the fact that students considered their teachers as role models.