Nutrition Knowledge Of Children Research Articles

Brand Equity Analysis of Formula Milk for Age 1-3 Years Old at Integrated Healthcare Center Mawar IX Bandung

This study aims to describe the characteristics of consumers in purchasing formula milk products aged 1-3 years and to analyze the brand equity of formula milk aged 1-3 years at Integrated Healthcare Center Mawar IX, RW 9, Cipamokolan Village, Rancasari District, Bandung City. The method used mixed research methods and sample taking used a purposive sampling technique. Based on observations, there were 51 people who suit the criteria. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, Cochran test, brand switching pattern matrix, and estimation of market share. Based on research, the characteristics of its consumers are dominated by housewives aged 19-34 years with undergraduate/postgraduate graduates who have children aged 12-23 months with an income of IDR 500,000-5,000,000 and expenditures of IDR 100,000-3,000,000 per month regarding knowledge of child nutrition and obtaining information regarding formula milk from advertisements so that they buy formula milk with a frequency of 1-2 times/month and a small product volume. The results show that Dancow Batita and SGM have a fairly strong brand equity value where these two brands have a brand image with 11 brand associations and a good quality perception. SGM outperformed brand awareness and estimated market share, while Dancow Batita led in brand loyalty. While both brands are equally superior for brand association and perceived quality.

Factors associated with nutritional status in children under five

Nutritional status in children under five is an essential indicator of a child's health and development. Good nutrition at this age is crucial because children are experiencing rapid growth and development during this period. This study aims to determine the factors related to nutritional status in children under five—a type of quantitative research with a cross-sectional study design. The number of samples used in this study was 43 toddlers using purposive sampling techniques. The results of statistical tests obtained a value of 0.038 for maternal age, 0.405 for occupation, and 0.600 for knowledge of maternal nutrition. It can be concluded that there is no relationship between nutritional status in children under five and maternal age, occupation, or knowledge. The nutritional status of children under five is an important issue that is influenced by several factors, including the mother's age, the mother's occupation, and the mother's knowledge of child nutrition. The mother's age can affect the success of breastfeeding practices and nutritional knowledge. The mother's work plays a role in family time and resource availability. The mother's knowledge of child nutrition influences food selection and feeding practices. Handling the nutritional problems of children under five requires a holistic approach that involves all relevant parties, including the government, health institutions, and the community

KNOWLEDGE IMPROVEMENT OF NUTRITION AND ENGLISH IN SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN IN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ERA

Background: The existence of the Covid-19 pandemic has an impact on a learning crisis in children. More than 120 countries have implemented social interaction violations through school closures which have affected 1.6 million students worldwide spread across 166 countries, including Indonesia. Purpose: This community service activity aims to improve the knowledge of School-Age Children (SAC) about nutrition combined with learning English during the Covid-19 Pandemic era. Method: This activity was carried out in six meetings from January 19 to February 6 2021, in Wonokriyo Village, Gading Rejo District, Pringsewu Regency, Lampung. The target of this activity is 24 SAC took class 4-6. Students are given nutrition counseling using the lecture method using various media including booklets, power points, and educational games. Student knowledge data were obtained from pre-test and post-test questionnaires. The data analysis performed was univariate data and the proportion of knowledge increase. Results: The average age of the respondents was 10.5 ± 0.9 years, the majority were female and took class IV of elementary school. The highest average increase in children's nutritional knowledge on the topic tumpeng of balanced nutrition was 45.3 ± 13.6 points from 38.7 ± 10.9 points to 84.0 ± 9.5 points. The average knowledge of children's English also increased from 41.0 ± 10.4 points to 78.0 ± 6.8 points with an average change of 37 ± 9.0 points. Conclusion: Nutrition counseling that is integrated with learning English can increase children's knowledge related to nutrition and English.

Evaluation of Parents’ Knowledge about Nutritional Management of children with Phenylketonuria

Abstract
 Objective(s): to Evaluation of Parents’ Knowledge about Nutritional Management of kids with Phenylketonuria; to Identify the association between parents’ Knowledge about nutritional management then their demographic variables of fathers, mothers (parents age, residence then socioeconomic position).
 Methodology: A non-experimental project; was accompanied on parents of phenylketonuria kid in Baghdad town since the period 3 June to 5 October 2022. A Non-probability sample (convenience) of 35 PKU children and their parents (father and mother) was selected Purposively from the hospitals that are select for the study. A survey is built for the purpose of the education throughout a review of applicable literature. It composed of two parts: The first part Demographic Characteristics: parents' Demographic features and Socioeconomic Status; And the second part is Parents’ Knowledge about Nutritional Management of children with Phenylketonuria. The internal consistency between items was strongminded by using alpha Cronbach`s coefficient. The consistency analysis shows very good evaluation for knowledge scale. Data was collected from one hospital in Baghdad city beside al-Rusafa\ Ibn Al-Baladi Hospital for maternity and Children, after the approval of the director of the hospital and the acceptance of parents to involve themselves and their children in the study. data are examined using Statistical Data Analysis: Frequencies, percentage, mean scores, standard deviation, mean, whole scores then ranges-test and one - way analysis of variance.
 Results: Outcomes presented that (62.9%) of the parents showing moderates knowledge of Parents about and nutrition knowledge of children with phenylketonuria during pre-test time, while they show very good close of knowledge through the post-examination time 1 and post-examination time 2.
 Conclusions: Overall evaluation of Parents’ knowledge about Nutritional Management for Children with Phenylketonuria showing moderate knowledge about nutritional management during pre-test time, their knowledge level is increased to very good through the post-examination time 1 and 2, and a study confirms that older parents are better knowledge.
 Recommendations: The study recommends that Parents of phenylketonuria children should be very well-oriented and greatly aware about the importance of Nutritional Management. Additional research studies container remains carried out with respect to big sample scope and wide variety variables, particularly, nationwide studies.
 Key Words: Evaluation, Parents’ Knowledge, Nutritional Management, Phenylketonuria.

The Effect of Nutri̇ti̇on-Friendly Schools Program on Children's Nutrition Knowledge Levels and Mediterranean Diet Quality

Amaç: Okullar, çocuklara erişim sağlama konusunda evrensel bir ortam oluştururlar ve beslenmeyle ilgili yetersizliklerle mücadelede büyük avantaj sağlarlar. Türkiye’de 2010 yılında “Okullarda Obezite ile Mücadelede Yeterli ve Dengeli Beslenme ve Düzenli Fiziksel Aktivite Alışkanlığının Kazandırılması” başlığı altında “Beslenme Dostu Okullar Programı” hayata geçirilmiştir. Bu çalışmanın amacı, beslenme dostu okul programının çocukların beslenme bilgi düzeyleri ve Akdeniz diyet kalitelerine etkisini değerlendirmektir. Yöntem: Çalışmaya üçü beslenme dostu okul programında yer alan ve dördü beslenme dostu okul programında yer almayan toplam yedi özel okul dahil edilmiştir. Çalışmanın örneklemi her grupta 250 öğrenci olacak şekilde toplam 500 öğrenci olarak belirlenmiştir. Bu kapsamda öğrencilere genel bilgiler, beslenme bilgi düzeyleri, Akdeniz Diyet Kaliteleri (KIDMED) ve antropometrik ölçümleri içeren anket formu uygulanmıştır. Bulgular: Beslenme dostu olan ve olmayan okullarda okuyan öğrencilerin Beden Kütle İndeksi (BKİ) sınıflandırmaları ve beslenme bilgi düzeyleri arasındaki fark anlamlı değildir (p>0,05). Ancak öğrencilerin Akdeniz diyet kaliteleri (KIDMED) arasındaki fark anlamlıdır (p<0,05). Çalışmada öğrencilerin beslenme bilgi düzeyleri ile Akdeniz diyet kaliteleri arasında beslenme dostu okul programı, sınıf, yaş, ebeveynlerin eğitim düzeyleri ve annelerin çalışma durumları ayrı ayrı modele dahil edildiğinde pozitif yönlü anlamlı ilişki olduğu görülmüştür (p<0,05). Sonuç: Beslenme dostu okul kriterlerinin geliştirilmesi, beslenme dostu okullara yapılan denetimlerin arttırılması, beslenme dostu olmayan okulların teşvik edilmesi, okullarda beslenmeyle ilgili aktivitelerin (beslenme kulübü vb.) ve derslerin arttırılması yönünde politikalar geliştirilmelidir. Beslenme dostu okul programının doğru yöntemlerle geliştirilerek yaygınlaştırılması beslenme bozukluklarını önlemede avantaj sağlayacaktır.

Promoting nutritional education in primary school children

Inadequate nutrition knowledge leads to poor dietary choices to the detriment of the overall health of individuals and populations due to the likelihood of the development of various ill health conditions such as obesity and malnutrition. Childhood is the stage that sets a nutritional precedent for life and the attitudes, and beliefs developed in childhood tend to last for the individual's lifespan. Therefore children should be provided with adequate nutritional knowledge to enable longer term healthier food choices. This study aimed to devise an appropriate strategy for the promotion of nutrition education in primary school children and to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. A survey was used to assess the level of nutrition knowledge in children followed by the provision of nutrition education through sessions focusing on adopting easily understandable terms for nutrients and teaching at their level of understanding and education. Techniques such as audiovisual aids and question-and-answer sessions were used to make the sessions entertaining. The outcomes were evaluated through the same survey that was used pre-intervention. Data are presented from a quantitative analysis. The outcomes of the first survey showed a major need for providing nutrition education to students as the students were barely aware of nutrients and the functions of foodstuffs and therefore made poor food choices. However, the post-intervention survey showed a significant improvement in nutritional knowledge, and the majority of the students knew how to make healthier food choices.

Designing a childhood obesity preventive intervention using the multiphase optimization strategy: The Healthy Bodies Project.

Preventing the development of childhood obesity requires multilevel, multicomponent, comprehensive approaches. Study designs often do not allow for systematic evaluation of the efficacy of individual intervention components before the intervention is fully tested. As such, childhood obesity prevention programs may contain a mix of effective and ineffective components. This article describes the design and rationale of a childhood obesity preventive intervention developed using the multiphase optimization strategy, an engineering-inspired framework for optimizing behavioral interventions. Using a series of randomized experiments, the objective of the study was to systematically test, select, and refine candidate components to build an optimized childhood obesity preventive intervention to be evaluated in a subsequent randomized controlled trial. A 24 full factorial design was used to test the individual and combined effects of four candidate intervention components intended to reduce the risk for childhood obesity. These components were designed with a focus on (a) improving children's healthy eating behaviors and nutrition knowledge, (b) increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary activity in the childcare setting, (c) improving children's behavioral self-regulation, and (d) providing parental web-based education to address child target outcomes. The components were tested with approximately 1400 preschool children, ages 3-5 years in center-based childcare programs in Pennsylvania, the majority of which served predominantly Head-Start eligible households. Primary child outcomes included healthy eating knowledge, physical and sedentary activity, and behavioral self-regulation. Secondary outcomes included children's body mass index and appetitive traits related to appetite regulation. Four intervention components were developed, including three classroom curricula designed to increase preschool children's nutrition knowledge, physical activity, and behavioral, emotional, and eating regulation. A web-based parent education component included 18 lessons designed to improve parenting practices and home environments that would bolster the effects of the classroom curricula. A plan for analyzing the specific contribution of each component to a larger intervention was developed and is described. The efficacy of the four components can be evaluated to determine the extent to which they, individually and in combination, produce detectable changes in childhood obesity risk factors. The resulting optimized intervention should later be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial, which may provide new information on promising targets for obesity prevention in young children. This research project highlights the ways in which an innovative approach to the design and initial evaluation of preventive interventions may increase the likelihood of long-term success. The lessons from this research project have implications for childhood obesity research as well as other preventive interventions that include multiple components, each targeting unique contributors to a multifaceted problem.

A systematic appraisal of the information, engagement, aesthetic and functional quality of nutrition-related smartphone apps for children and adolescents.

Nutrition-related smartphone applications (apps) could improve children's nutrition knowledge and skills. However, little is known about the quality of nutrition-related apps for children. This study aimed to identify and evaluate the quality of nutrition-related smartphone apps designed for children ages 4-17. This systematic appraisal is guided by the Protocol for App Store Systematic Reviews. Using Google's Advanced Search, we identified 1814 apps/1184 additional apps in an updated search on iOS, of which twenty-four were eligible. The apps' objective and subjective quality were evaluated using the twenty-three-item, five-point Mobile App Rating Scale. The objective quality scale consists of four subscales: engagement, functionality, aesthetics and information. Most of the apps (75 %) focussed solely on promoting nutrition skills, such as making food dishes, rather than nutrition knowledge. Of the twenty-four apps, 83 % targeted children 4-8 years old. The app objective quality mean score was 3·60 ± 0·41. The subscale mean scores were 3·20 ± 0·41 for engagement, 4·24 ± 0·47 for functionality, 4·03 ± 0·51 for aesthetics and 2·94 ± 0·62 for information. The app subjective quality mean score was 2·10 ± 0·90. More robust approaches to app development leveraging co-design approaches, including involving a multidisciplinary team of experts to provide evidence-based nutrition information, are warranted.

345 Improving nutrition knowledge in children with cystic fibrosis and their caregivers using Cystic Fibrosis Foundation–approved education materials

345 Improving nutrition knowledge in children with cystic fibrosis and their caregivers using Cystic Fibrosis Foundation–approved education materials

Association of mothers' child feeding knowledge, attitude, and practices with nutritional status of children under the age of five in a Malaysian fishing community: a cross-sectional study

Mothers' nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and practices are critical to ensuring that they can feed their children in accordance with proper child feeding guidelines, hence preventing undernourished children. However, there has been little research into mothers' knowledge of feeding, attitudes, and practises in fishing communities, notably in Terengganu, Malaysia. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to analyse mothers' children's nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and practices, as well as their relationship to the nutritional status of fishermen's children under the age of five in Terengganu. This study was conducted through a home visit with 60 mothers and 60 children aged 2-4 years (55.0% girls, n = 33; 45.0% boys, n = 27). Mothers' nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practice were examined using adapted questionnaires, while child nutritional status was measured using height-for-age and BMI-for-age assessments. All of the mothers had an educational background, with at least 5.0% (n = 3) attending primary school, 85% (n = 51) attending secondary school, and 10.0% (n = 6) finishing higher tertiary education, as per results. According to the data, most mothers have good knowledge (68.3%, n = 41), a positive attitude (71.7%, n = 43), and good practises (71.7%, n = 43) when it comes to child feeding. The majority of children had normal BMI (63.3%) and height for their age (91.7%). There was no relationship found between the mother's child feeding knowledge (p = 0.342, r = -0.125), attitude (p = 0.357, r = 0.121), and practises (p = 0.587, r = 0.073) and the children's BMI-for-age. Mothers' knowledge of child feeding (p = 0.627, r = 0.064), attitude (p = 0.9982, r = -0.002), and practises (p = 0.709, r = -0.049) were likewise unrelated to children's height-to-age. A comprehensive approach including parents, communities and government agencies should be established to enhance mothers' child-feeding knowledge, attitudes, and practises, particularly among low-income families.

Effectiveness of a multifaceted intervention for the improvement of nutritional status and nutrition knowledge of children in poverty-stricken areas in Shaanxi Province, China

ObjectivesCompare the differences between the intervention and control groups in changes of primary outcomes (body mass index [BMI] and waist-to-height ratio [WHtR]) and secondary outcomes (nutrition knowledge of children and parents), from baseline to the 6- and 12-month follow-ups; examine the associations of changes in nutrition knowledge of children and their parents with children's changes in BMI and WHtR. Data sourcesData collected from four schools in two poverty-stricken counties in northern Shaanxi Province in 2020‒2021. MethodsA multifaced intervention program targeted children (promoting healthy diet and nutrition education) and their parents (promoting nutrition knowledge) was conducted in the interventional group. Four schools, with two in each group, were randomly allocated to the intervention or control group, with 814 eligible children aged 7.1 to 12.8 years. The control group conducted myopia promotion. Differences in changes of BMI and WHtR between groups were compared with t-test. Mixed-effects model was used to examine the associations between changes in nutrition knowledge of children and parents with changes in children's BMI and WHtR. ResultsAt the 6-month follow-up, the difference in changes in BMI between the intervention and control groups was 0.4 kg/m 2 (P < 0.001). At the 12-month follow-up, the difference in changes in BMI and WHtR between intervention and control groups was 0.1 kg/m2 (P < 0.001) and 0.01 kg/m2 (P < 0.001). In the intervention group, the nutrition knowledge awareness rate of children increased from 16.9% (69/409) at baseline to 21.3% (87/409) at 6-month, and 22.7% (93/409) at 12-month. The awareness rate of nutrition knowledge of parents also fluctuated, from 5.6% (23/409) to 6.6% (27/409) and 5.4% (22/409). However, the difference in changes in nutrition knowledge between intervention and control groups was non-significant. The 6-month follow-up changes in children's nutrition knowledge scores were negatively associated with changes in BMI in girls (β = −0.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.38 to −0.14, P < 0.001), while positively associated with changes in WHtR in boys (β = 0.003, 95% CI: −0.0002 to 0.005, P = 0.035). The 12-month follow-up changes in children's nutrition knowledge scores were positively associated with changes in children's WHtR (β = 0.003, 95% CI: 0.0004 to 0.01, P = 0.018). ConclusionsThe intervention strategies did not reduce the BMI and WHtR of children, and the nutrition knowledge of children and parents increased after the intervention in intervention group. Changes in nutrition knowledge of children and their parents are associated with changes in children's BMI or WHtR. Interventions with a new focus on obesity are needed to help improve children's nutritional status in poverty-stricken areas in Shaanxi Province of China.

P076 Eating and Weight Behaviors Among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Weight Concerns: Parents’ Perspectives.

<h3>Background</h3> According to 2018 CDC data, approximately 1 in 44 children have Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). Children with ASDs have an increased propensity towards overweight and obesity due to limited diets and physical inactivity. High-quality research interventions to address obesity in this population are limited, and none have been informed by an intentional process to understand parent stresses and barriers to change surrounding meals and eating behaviors. <h3>Objective</h3> This qualitative study aimed to explore parents' perceptions of their autistic children's eating behaviors, weight, and the support they need from healthcare providers to improve their children's weight status. <h3>Study Design, Setting, Participants</h3> Participants in this study were recruited using criterion sampling from Texas. Semi-structured Zoom interviews were conducted with 10 parents of overweight/obese autistic children between the ages of 6-12 years. <h3>Measurable Outcome/Analysis</h3> Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim using NVivo Pro 12.0. Two trained coders independently analyzed transcripts using an open-coding and consensus-building approach for thematic analysis. <h3>Results</h3> Seven themes were identified: (1) Child's eating attitudes and behaviors; (2) Factors influencing child's nutrition knowledge and skills; (3) Meal planning and preparation; (4) Parental attitudes and experiences toward feeding; (5) Parental attitudes towards child's weight; (6) Parental distress; and (7) Possible Interventions. All parents reported feeding-related stress and many expressed feelings of helplessness to improve these behaviors. Parents also shared concerns related to behavioral regressions due to the COVID-19 pandemic that affected their child's ongoing therapies. A multidisciplinary approach targeting individualized nutrition and feeding advice for their children was desired. A range of in-person and online interventions including cooking classes and parental vlogs was recommended. <h3>Conclusions</h3> This study supports the need for nutrition education for parents caring for autistic children and access to evidence-based, individualized approaches for their child's needs from physicians, dietitians, therapists, and other healthcare providers. Future research should be directed at developing interventions that support and educate parents in improving their child's nutritional and health needs and optimizing coping strategies in parents. <h3>Funding</h3> Texas Woman's University Research Enhancement Program

The Effects of a Computer Game (Healthy Rat King) on Preschool Children's Nutritional Knowledge and Junk Food Intake Behavior: Nonrandomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundPlaying computer-aided games could enhance children’s interest in learning about nutritional knowledge and eventually promote healthy dietary intake behavior.ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a computer game (Healthy Rat King) in improving the knowledge on nutrition and junk food intake among preschool children in Taiwan.MethodsThis was a quasi-experimental study that utilized the computer game Healthy Rat King as the nutrition education tool. We recruited 104 preschool children (aged 5-6 years) from preschools in central Taiwan, who were assigned to either the experimental group (n=56) or the control group (n=48). In the experimental group, a 1-hour computer-based educational game intervention was included in the course for 4 consecutive weeks. The control group did not receive this intervention.ResultsThe level of nutritional knowledge for children in the experimental group was significantly higher than those in the control group after 4 weeks (P=.002). Furthermore, the frequency of consumption of chocolate, candies, and ice cream (high-calorie junk food) was reduced in the experimental group. There was also no significant difference in the consumption of candy and chocolate (P=.54), ice cream and ice pops (P=.21), cake (P=.92), biscuit (P=.98), soft drinks (P=.52), and fruit juice and sugary drinks (P=.31) between the 2 groups in the posttest.ConclusionsTeaching using a computer game could improve children’s nutritional knowledge. However, the intake frequency of junk food among children in the experimental group showed no significant difference from those in the control group.

Baby Food and Oral Health: Knowledge of the Existing Interaction

Background: The purpose of this study is to verify parents’ knowledge of child nutrition and their awareness of the interaction between unhealthy sugars in their child’s diet and caries formation. Methods: a questionnaire was proposed using Instagram to analyze type of breastfeeding; type of weaning and diet; home oral hygiene maneuvers; bad habits (use of pacifiers, bottles, and sugary substances); knowledge on the usefulness of fluoride; and first dental visit. A total of 200 parents from different regions of Italy with children aged 2 months to 6 years were contacted. Results showed that 66% parents preferred breastfeeding, while the remaining 34% chose artificial breastfeeding. Fifty percent (100 babies) started weaning at six months, 20% (40 babies) at the fifth month, 13.5% (27 babies) at the fourth month, and only 11.5% (23 babies) in a range from the seventh to ninth month of life. Oral hygiene practices were performed only by 25% of parents before eruption of the first tooth. After eruption of the first tooth, there is greater attention to home oral hygiene practices: 59% of parents carry out and teach their children daily home oral hygiene maneuvers. Conclusions: it is possible to raise awareness among parents and caregivers on the importance of food education.

An exploration of cultural influencing factors on dietary diversity in Malagasy children aged 6\u201359\u2009months

BackgroundMore than 1.7 million children in Madagascar are stunted, with low dietary diversity being a determinant. Although diverse crops are produced in the Vakinankaratra region, it registers the highest stunting prevalence rate nationally. While children’s diets may be influenced by region-specific cultural factors, little is known about this link so far. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of cultural habits on dietary diversity in children between 6 to 59 months in the Vakinankaratra region.MethodsA mixed method design with a qualitative lead approach was used, including three transect walks, six focus group discussions and 51 semi-structured interviews with caregivers. The interviews contained a quantitative part to assess the four feeding indicators: ‘minimum meal frequency’, ‘minimum dietary diversity’, ‘minimum acceptable diet’ and the consumption of iron-rich foods. Participants were selected by convenience sampling. Data was collected in November 2019 in three communities displaying maximal possible variation.ResultsSubsistence farming with diverse crops and livestock was found to be a common practice. Minimum meal frequency was achieved by 78% of the sixty included children. In total, 45% attained minimum dietary diversity and 40% consumed a minimum acceptable diet. Across the three communities, the range of children attaining a minimum acceptable diet was 25–60%. Older, no longer breastfed children were prone to not achieving a minimum acceptable diet. Although caregivers had a basic idea of important foods for child development, these were often not available to or affordable for them. An effect of cultural events on diet, especially diversity, was found. Whilst for annual events this effect was short-term, the region-specific ceremony of reburying the dead (Famadihana) was found to have a long-term influence on the diet of certain families.ConclusionsThe dietary diversity of children under five in the Vakinankaratra region is influenced by cultural factors like agricultural practices, caregivers’ knowledge of child nutrition, food taboos and a region-specific cultural event. Cultural determinants, especially important traditions that result in significant expenditures, may thus influence the quality of children’s diet and should therefore be considered in future nutrition programmes and research on child malnutrition and stunting.

Development and Reliability Testing of a Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire for Australian Children (the CNK-AU)

ObjectiveTo adapt and test an existing questionnaire to assess Australian children's level of nutrition knowledge. DesignThe child nutrition knowledge questionnaire for Australian children consists of 8 nutrition-related categories: healthy choices, portion and serving sizes, balanced meals, nutrition labels, nutrient functions, and food sources, safety, and categories. Participants completed the questionnaire at 2 time points, with 1 week in between. SettingThe questionnaire was completed online in a primary school classroom using an Android tablet. ParticipantsFifth- and sixth-year students (n = 94; aged 10.9 years; SD, 0.76) at a primary school in New South Wales, Australia. Variables MeasuredItem difficulty, item discrimination, and reliability. AnalysisItem analysis, interrater reliability, and test-retests. ResultsThe intrarater reliability per item between the first visit and 1 week later was moderate to substantial for the majority of items (mean κ = 0.50; SD, 0.21). Test-retest found a significant correlation for total score (r = 0.756), with all categories except portion and serving sizes showing significant correlations above r = 0.502. Conclusions and ImplicationsThe child nutrition knowledge questionnaire for Australian children has the potential to be a reliable and practical questionnaire for measuring Australian children's nutrition knowledge. The questionnaire may be useful for future work evaluating the effectiveness of nutrition education interventions and would potentially be adapted to other cultures.

Feasibility and Acceptability of 'VitaVillage': A Serious Game for Nutrition Education.

Computer games have previously been used to improve nutrition knowledge in children. This paper describes the acceptability and feasibility of a serious game, “VitaVillage”, for improving child nutrition knowledge. VitaVillage is a farming-style game in which the player undertakes quests and completes questions aimed at increasing several aspects of nutrition and healthy eating knowledge. Children aged 9–12 years in two primary schools (control vs. intervention) completed a nutrition knowledge questionnaire at baseline (T1) and after 1 week (T2). Participants at the intervention school (n = 75) played VitaVillage for 20 minutes on two occasions. Control participants (n = 94) received no nutrition education. Likeability question scores and written feedback from intervention participants was reported qualitatively. Paired sample t-tests were used to compare T1 and T2 nutrition knowledge changes between control and intervention participants. Engagement with VitaVillage improved children’s overall nutrition knowledge (Mean increase of 2.25 points between T1 and T2, Standard Deviation (SD) 6.31, p = 0.035) compared to controls. The game was liked overall (mean score 77 (SD 24.6) on scale of 0–100) and positive feedback was given. Results indicate that VitaVillage has the potential to be successful as a nutrition education tool. In the future, VitaVillage’s content and gameplay will be revised, extended and evaluated for its long-term impact on eating behaviour and knowledge changes.

Child nutritional status, mothers’ nutritional knowledge and practice and Household food security status in Tehuledere Woreda, South Wollo, Ethiopia

Child under nutrition due to household food insecurity remains critical issues in many households in Ethiopia. Literature in nutrition knowledge and practice of mothers and the nutritional status of their infants is scanty. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of six to 23-month-oldchildren, mothers’ knowledge, attitude and practice of child nutrition and household food security status in a semi-urban and a rural kebeles. A community based cross-sectional study was undertaken in semi-urban and rural kebeles in Tehuledere Woreda (district) to assess household food security and nutritional status of six to 23-month children. A total of 245 mother-child pairs were selected randomly from the two kebeles. Anthropometric indices were used to determine the nutritional status of under-two children. Child age, weight and height were measured and used to calculate weight-for-age, weight-for-height and height-for-age Z-scores. Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (ciaf) was calculated to determine total malnutrition. Household food insecurity access scale (hfias) was used to assess food security status. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data on mothers’ knowledge, attitude and practice in child nutrition, food diversity and child feeding. Data were statistically analyzed. Stunting was noted in 7.5% and 17% of under-two children in the urban and rural kebeles, respectively. Similar levels of thinness (6%) were observed in both kebeles. There were more under-weight children in the semi-urban (5.2%) than in the rural (3.6%) kebeles. Chronic energy deficiency was noted in 20% and 15% of the children in semi-urban and rural kebeles, respectively. ciaf was higher in children in the semi-urban kebele (48%) than in the rural kebele (31%). A small proportion of study households were food secure (17.9%). The rest were either mildly (54.4%) or moderately (27.8%) food insecure. Average knowledge of child nutrition among mothers in the semi-urban and rural kebeles was very low (about 34% and 37%, respectively).The low anthropometric measurements of the children in this study could be due to poor food diversity, insufficient food intake, and poor nutritional knowledge and practice of mothers. Creating awareness in child feeding practices and diet diversity is recommended.&#x0D;

Increasing Mothers’ Knowledge of Infant and Young Child Feeding through Booklets in Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

Background: Stunting is caused in part by feeding behavior in infants and young children. Knowledge is the most important factor in shaping one's attitude and behavior, particularly when it comes to infants and young children feeding. This study aims to find out how the mothers’ knowledge of infant and child feeding could be increased through booklets in Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi Province, Indonesia.&#x0D; Method:&#x0D; This study is a quasi-experimental non-randomized study with pre and post-test only control design. Study was conducted in Jayabakti Village, Banggai Regency. Sample consisted of 40 mothers of children under five collected with purposive sampling method from October to December 2020. At the local Integrated Health Service Post, booklets were distributed once a month as part of the study intervention. Over the duration of the three-month study period, booklets were distributed three times. The used booklets were the modified version of the WHO-developed Infant and Young Child Feeding Counseling: An Integrated Course. The mean difference was used to compare the results of the pre- and post-tests on knowledge of infant and young child feeding. The hypothesis test was applied with a 95% confidence level of 0.05.&#x0D; Result: The respondents with ages ranging between 15 and 20 were 42.5%. Mothers graduated from senior high schools were 45%. Mothers that had three children were 55.0%. Family income was 586,000 rupiahs in average. After the booklets distribution for three months, there was an increase in the mothers’ knowledge regarding infant and young child feeding. The older the mother's age, the better her knowledge (p=0,015). Factors of children's age and mother's education did not have a significant effect.&#x0D; Conclusion:&#x0D; Mothers knowledge regarding infant and young child feeding at Banggai Regency Central of Sulawesi is generally good. After using the booklets, their knowledge has increased. With time, the mother's knowledge expands. Formal education has no significant effect on infants and young children nutrition knowledge

Designing Video Games for Nutrition Education: A Participatory Approach

ObjectiveTo describe the participatory approach used to inform the development of a video game designed to increase children's nutrition knowledge. The objectives were to (1) assess children's nutrition areas of focus, (2) explore parents’ and children's perceptions of video games for nutrition education, and (3) collect information on children's video game preferences. DesignQualitative research design using 10 focus group interviews and 5 workshops. Children's nutrition knowledge and game player type were assessed by questionnaires. SettingSouth Island, New Zealand. ParticipantsSixty-two primary school children, aged 7–11 years. Ten parents completed an online questionnaire. Phenomenon of InterestParticipatory approach in designing digital nutrition education resources. AnalysisA general inductive approach was used to develop the themes. ResultsThe following 3 themes were identified through thematic analysis: (1) positive impacts associated with video games for nutrition education, (2) factors for engagement, and (3) barriers for sustained use. Conclusions and ImplicationsBoth children and parents perceived that video games offered an avenue to increase nutrition knowledge. However, negative views such as screen time usage need to be addressed before widespread adoption. The participatory design approach provided information about game mechanics that will inspire the game design and enhance engagement of video games for nutrition education.