Growth and development impact of sustainable nutrition education: An experimental study

Ulker M. T., Simsek A., Hacioglu G. E., Kurt A., Erken S., Yildiz B.

Journal of Food Science, cilt.89, sa.2, ss.1294-1302, 2024 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 89 Sayı: 2
  • Basım Tarihi: 2024
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1111/1750-3841.16891
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of Food Science
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, Analytical Abstracts, Applied Science & Technology Source, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), BIOSIS, Biotechnology Research Abstracts, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, Computer & Applied Sciences, Environment Index, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, INSPEC, Veterinary Science Database, DIALNET
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1294-1302
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: nutrition behaviors, nutrition education, percentile sustainability
  • Marmara Üniversitesi Adresli: Hayır

Özet

Healthy societies are formed by learning and maintaining sustainable healthy eating behaviors from childhood. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of short-term sustainable nutrition education on growth and development parameters of preschool children. This study is an experimental design with pretest–posttest control group. This study was carried out in two kindergartens between February 2022 and June 2023 in Turkey. The education group received 4 months of dietary behavior training. The dietary scale and anthropometric measurements were administered at the first and last meetings. Data were analyzed with 95% confidence interval. The study was completed with 174 children. A statistically significant difference was found, especially in body weight (p < 0.05) and body weight percentile values (p < 0.05) in the posttest of the education group. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was found between the groups in the eating behavior scale posttest score. Nutrition education in schools is important in promoting healthy eating habits. Nutrition education improves eating behavior positively. To maintain healthy eating behaviors, however, the continuity of education is necessary. In addition, as growth and development are physical processes, it is recognized that growth and development cannot be assessed by nutrition alone.