Health promotion and healthy eating habits. Exploratory study in primary education

Encarnación Pedrero-García,Carmen Solís-Espallargas,Olga Moreno-Fernández,Pilar Moreno-Crespo

doi:10.1051/shsconf/20196601032

Encarnación Pedrero-García, Carmen Solís-Espallargas + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/20196601032

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Abstract

This paper focuses on the importance of health education in Primary Education and the role of schools in the acquisition of healthy habits, especially in nutrition. The aim of this study is to provide an approximation of what students in the 6th year of Primary Education (11-12 years old) understand by healthy habits related to nutrition. A questionnaire of six openended questions was carried out, with a total sample of 78 children. It should be noted that a large sample confuses healthy eating with good health. We therefore consider the need to favour greater health education in school classrooms, as this would help them to differentiate balanced diets from those that are not and, therefore, to prepare healthy menus appropriately.

Highlights

This research focuses on the importance of health education in Primary Education and on the role of the school in the acquisition of healthy habits, especially in nutrition
The aim of this study is to provide an approximation of what students in the 6th year of Primary Education (11-12 years old) understand by healthy habits related to nutrition
In order to carry out the exploratory study, we have used an open-ended questionnaire in which six items related to food and healthy habits are collected, as mentioned below: 1. Could you define in your own words what a healthy diet or a good diet is? 2

Summary

Introduction

This research focuses on the importance of health education in Primary Education and on the role of the school in the acquisition of healthy habits, especially in nutrition. The possibility of intervening educationally makes it necessary to analyze what knowledge primary school children have about the different concepts and habits related to nutrition. In the ages of 6 to 12 years, children are in constant growth and development, and begin to develop eating patterns, being important to maintain a balance in their nutrients controlling their carbohydrates, proteins and fats, with the aim of contributing to good physical development, psychic and prevent diseases related to poor nutrition such as cavities, hypertension or obesity [1]. The problem is global and progressively affects many low- and middle-income countries, especially in the urban environment.

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