Nutritional Knowledge and Desire to Change of Food Preferences among Saudi Women in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Effective nutritional education programs are based on a proper understanding of many factors, including a population's nutritional knowledge, behavior, food preferences, and a desire to change these preferences. Our study examined these variables through a convenience sample (N = 151) of adult Saudi women living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Results indicated a gap between perceived and actual knowledge (p < .05) and the desire to increase intake of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products and reduce fat consumption. Taste was the main barrier for not to change. Future nutritional education programs should target women with low-education background, and the best time may be in primary school curricula.