Nutrition Education Impact on Nutrition Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Schoolchildren: A Pilot Study in Ghana

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Malnutrition among children, and adolescents remains a crucial public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa. Nutrition education contributes to acquisition of nutrition knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) which may lead to improved nutrition status and health, and brings greatest benefits to the poor and the most vulnerable particularly school-age children (SAC). We evaluated the impact of a 6-week nutrition education intervention on nutrition KAP, and nutrition status of SAC. The effect of nutrition education training on the knowledge of teachers and caregivers was also evaluated. Methods Pretest-posttest controlled design was used in elementary schools in Ghana. A total of 325 SAC 6–12 years old, 6 teachers and 99 caregivers completed the study. Nutrition KAP were estimated using a standardized questionnaire. Nutrition status was calculated using height and weight measurements. Results Schoolchildren in the intervention group had significantly higher knowledge scores (8.8 ± 2.0 vs. 5.9 ± 2.1, P < 0.0001) compared to controls in lower elementary level. The attitude of children in learning about food and nutrition issues was a higher proportion in the intervention group as compared to control group (88% vs. 77%, P = 0.031). Dietary diversity score did not differ significantly between intervention and control groups (4.8 ± 2.0 vs. 5.1 ± 1.4, P = 0.184). Intervention group had a marginally lower proportion of stunted SAC at the end of the study period as compared to control group (3.6% vs. 8.2%, P = 0.080). The nutrition knowledge of teachers, and caregivers significantly improved (12.5 ± 1.87 vs. 9.2 ± 2.1; P = 0.031) and (5.85 ± 0.73 to 6.29 ± 1.02, P = 0.009), respectively. Conclusions Nutrition education could have positive effects for passing on nutrition knowledge, and attitudes to elementary school children which are essential to developing healthy behaviors, and managing nutrition status. Funding Sources This study was funded by the Institute of International Education with award of the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program.