Health-related knowledge and preferences in low socio-economic kindergarteners

Dan Nemet,Alon Eliakim,Deganit Geva,Alon Eliakim,Yoav Meckel,Deganit Geva

doi:10.1186/1479-5868-9-1

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to determine physical activity (PA) and nutrition knowledge and preferences in low socio-economic status kindergarten children.MethodsFollowing height and weight measurement, 795 low socio-economic status kindergarten children (age 3.8-6.8 y.o) completed a photo-pair knowledge and preferences food and exercise questionnaire.ResultsNo difference was found between nutrition and PA knowledge scores (52.3 ± 0.9 versus 52.6 ± 0.8%, respectively). There was no difference between the nutrition knowledge and preference score (52.3 ± 0.9 versus 50.9 ± 0.9%, respectively). PA preference was significantly higher than knowledge (56.9 ± 1.5 versus 52.6 ± 0.8%, respectively; p < 0.0001). Significant correlations were found between nutrition knowledge and preferences (r = 0.55, p < 0.0001), physical activity knowledge and preferences (r = 0.46, p < 0.0001), and nutrition and PA preferences (r = 0.46, p < 0.001). Nutrition preference scores were significantly lower in overweight compared to normal weight kindergartners 48.1 ± 1.7 versus 52.0 ± 1.0%; p < 0.05). PA knowledge and preference scores were significantly higher among male compared to the female kindergartners (p < 0.001 for both).ConclusionOur data demonstrate diversities in physical activity and nutrition knowledge and preferences among low socio-economic status kindergarten children. These findings may be important for the development of health promotion programs in low socioeconomic kindergarten children.

Highlights

Despite major efforts to prevent weight gain or to promote weight reduction, the prevalence of childhood obesity increases in epidemic proportions throughout Westernized societies [1]
This indicates that a multi-disciplinary approach, that include life-style/behavioral modification, nutrition education and changes in physical activity patterns [8,9] should be used for preventive health education and therapeutic programs of childhood obesity
We previously demonstrated in kindergarten children from moderate-high socio-economic classes that while nutrition knowledge was significantly higher than physical activity knowledge, nutrition preferences were not consistent with the knowledge, but physical activity knowledge and preference were found to be consistent

Summary

Introduction

Despite major efforts to prevent weight gain or to promote weight reduction, the prevalence of childhood obesity increases in epidemic proportions throughout Westernized societies [1]. The causes for the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity are not completely understood, but life-style changes associated with increased caloric intake and decreased energy expenditure may play an important role, especially in genetically predisposed populations [1,6,7]. This indicates that a multi-disciplinary approach, that include life-style/behavioral modification, nutrition education and changes in physical activity patterns [8,9] should be used for preventive health education and therapeutic programs of childhood obesity. The design of such programs must take into account the existing nutrition and physical activity knowledge and preferences of children, for those in pre-school age

Methods

Results

Conclusion