The knowledge of third grade children concerning dietary fat and cholesterol and their relationship to coronary artery disease

Abstract

A previously validated questionnaire concerning the fat and cholesterol content of foods and their relationship to coronary artery disease was given to 5,000 third graders randomly selected from across the state of Missouri. Subjects were evenly distributed amongst one of four previously designed socioeconomic groups. The gender distribution was 51% female and 49% male. The questionnaire, previously determined to be appropriate for this age group asked questions about general good eating habits, fat and/or cholesterol content of various foods, and the cardiac related benefits of healthy food choices. Overall the children demonstrated an excellent awareness of eating behaviors that promote cardio-vascular health. Nearly 50% correctly chose foods low in fat from pairs of food, however, only 26% were able to correctly choose foods higher in cholesterol content from pairs of foods. Children from the two lowest socio-economic groups had statistically significant lower levels of knowledge concerning healthy food choices. No other statistically significant differences were found for demographic data. Information obtained from the questionnaire will be used to develop teaching materials that will help this age group become more aware of the fat and cholesterol content of foods and methods of improving food choices.