Assessment of Nutrition Knowledge and Behaviors of Massachusetts Adolescents

Abstract

Nutrition knowledge and behaviors of Massachusetts adolescents are identified and examined based on gender, community type and whether respondents reported learning nutrition in school. Responses of Massachusetts adolescents are compared to responses from a similar population from the National Adolescent Health Survey (NASHS),The purpose of the study was to provide information for use in planning nutrition education programs and in improving school food programs. The sample (1482) was drawn from the total population of 10th grade students in Massachusetts public schools using a stratified design clustered by classroom. Forty-four items on nutrition knowledge and behaviors were replicated from the NASHS for the instrument. The results are of particular interest to the Nutrition Education and Training Program and to health educators and health care personnel who provide nutrition education in non-school settings. The overall findings were:• Adolescents, especially those in urban communities, have limited nutrition knowledge.• Females have an especially low participation in school lunch.• Although teenagers diet frequently, most follow low risk dieting practices.• There has been a dramatic shift in responsibility for teaching nutrition from the home economics teacher to the health education teacher.Four recommendations were made as a result of this study:• Nutrition curricula should be geared towards issues of diet and health consistent with theDietary Guidelines for Americans• The diet and health curriculum should emphasize practical application including selection of food in restaurants, safe dieting practices and exercise.• School food programs should provide menus that meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and that are consistent with the curriculum on diet and health.• Participation by females in school food programs be increased by providing menus consistent with safe dieting practices.