11/27/2023 0 Comments Kap questionnaire on nutritionThree other recent studies used partially validated questionnaires to measure caregivers’ nutrition knowledge, which either lacked comprehensiveness and/or included content that may require highly specific knowledge (e.g., nutrients, oral hygiene, or principles from a specific food program). A recent study of 222 caregivers’ knowledge in China, although comprehensive, used a knowledge questionnaire that was lengthy (45 min to complete), focused on nutrients (rather than foods), and was partially validated (only internal reliability assessed). Previous studies using knowledge questionnaires that demonstrate at least construct and content validity are relatively out-of-date (ranging from 1980 to 2015), and the most comprehensive appear to reflect knowledge during the 1970s to the 1990s. Moreover, there is considerable variability across studies, in regard to questionnaire content and psychometric validity, and it appears that the measurement of knowledge about important nutrition concepts (e.g., portion sizes and drink choices) is limited. Acknowledging the effects of these variables are important with studies showing that ethnic and educational backgrounds affect nutrition knowledge. Most studies have been conducted amongst ECEC teachers in the US, who likely differ from those living in other countries in regard to ethnic and educational background for example, important New Zealand ethnic groups (e.g., Māori, Pacific peoples, and Asian) are not distinguished amongst US ECEC teachers. ECEC teachers’ knowledge about nutrition and physical activity for pre-schoolers (2–5-year-olds) remains relatively unreported. Although there is mixed evidence, a systematic review found that nutrition knowledge may have a role in establishing healthier food habits in children. Global strategies to eliminate childhood obesity recognise the importance of caregivers’ knowledge and their understanding of the links between health, diet, and physical activity in children. Obesity in childhood has immediate and long-term health consequences and strongly predicts adult obesity. Despite conflicting research, many studies suggest that children who attend childcare are more likely to be overweight or obese. With more children being enrolled in early childcare education and care (ECEC) centres, this setting is becoming increasingly important for children’s health and body weight. ECEC teachers may lack nutrition knowledge for pre-schoolers, particularly in regard to basic nutrition recommendations (servings, food/beverage choices, and portion sizes). Common knowledge barriers included a lack of staff training, confidence, and resources. The belief that ECEC teachers play a vital role in promoting pre-schoolers’ healthy eating and physical activity was widespread. Teachers’ increased agreement in feeling they were confident talking about nutrition to parents significantly predicted an increase in overall nutrition knowledge scores (B = 0.34, r 2 = 0.15, p = 0.019). Increased years of experience significantly predicted an increase in knowing that national nutrition and physical activity guidelines exist (B = 0.02, r 2 = 0.13, p = 0.033). Teachers’ ( n = 386) knowledge of nutrition was lacking: The overall score was 22.56 ± 2.83 (mean ± SD), or 61% correct. This cross-sectional validated online questionnaire aimed to measure current early childhood education and care (ECEC) teachers’ nutrition knowledge for pre-schoolers (2–5-year-olds) and related perspectives. Identifying knowledge gaps amongst caregivers may inform professional development and obesity-prevention strategies in childcare settings. Caregivers’ nutrition and physical activity knowledge is recognised as being important for children’s health and body size.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |