Abstract
It is important to examine teacher’s knowledge on malnutrition since they are at the vanguard of the implementation of the school based malnutrition prevention programs and therefore has the vital role to influence nutrition information and behaviour in children. It is only teachers with accurate and substantial information that can orientate the children rightly. This study set out to assess the knowledge levels of teachers on malnutrition in childhood and to explore resources used for information on nutrition. This cross sectional study was conducted among 387 male and female teachers who agreed to participate from 26 public and 13 private primary schools in 3 semi-urban communities in Ido Local Government, Ibadan, Nigeria. A structured and pretested questionnaire was self- administered and collected immediately. Data collected was analysed using SPSS version 16 statistical software. The Mean knowledge score was 49.9; 214(55.3%), 145(37.5%), 28(7.2%) teachers had good, fair and poor levels of knowledge respectively. Handbook (80.4%), television (70.5%) and radio (62.5%) were the major resources reported for use on nutrition information. Based on the findings of this study, percentage of teacher’s with adequate knowledge on childhood malnutrition is not sufficient. In-service training focusing on the causes, effects, symptoms and prevention of malnutrition in childhood would be invaluable; teachers should also be provided with relevant text books that can enhance their knowledge on nutrition issues.
Highlights
In different magnitude is found in all nations of the world and its effect on performance, health and survival had been the subject of research for several decades
According to The World Food programme (WFP), malnutrition is a state in which the physical function of an individual is impaired to the point where he or she can no longer maintain adequate bodily performance such as growth, physical work, resisting and recovering from disease [3]
Primary schools are suitable because at this stage, nutrition lessons are simple, interesting, colorful and learned through demonstration, illustrations, and practical approaches which are natural to nutrition education; creating awareness, understanding on the benefits of healthy eating and impacting skills for physical activity inducing positive behaviour change towards healthy food and physical exercise
Summary
In different magnitude is found in all nations of the world and its effect on performance, health and survival had been the subject of research for several decades. Primary schools are suitable because at this stage, nutrition lessons are simple, interesting, colorful and learned through demonstration, illustrations, and practical approaches which are natural to nutrition education; creating awareness, understanding on the benefits of healthy eating and impacting skills for physical activity inducing positive behaviour change towards healthy food and physical exercise,. This will invariably improve the health status of children and eventually prevent malnutrition [8,9].
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