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Abstract
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Article Information:
Evaluation of Nutrition Knowledge and Perception of Good Food among Nursery School Pupils in Kisumu Municipality-Kenya
M.A. Ayieko and J.L. Anyango
Corresponding Author: Monica A. Ayieko
Submitted: 2011 February, 14
Accepted: 2011 March, 26
Published: 2011 June, 06 |
Abstract:
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Child nutrition is one key factor that determines the outcome of human development and even
influences the later quality of one’s life. Knowledge about nutrition and health is gained throughout childhood,
yet there is limited research on the nutrition knowledge of nursery school children in Kenya. Much of the
research assessing nutrition practices in early childhood programs has focused on the adequacy of foods that
are served to children. The objectives of this study were to assess nutrition knowledge of preschoolers and
assess their perception of what they would consider good food; and to evaluate their teacher knowledge and
how this is influencing teaching of nutrition education. The study adopted a cross sectional study design
consisting of 365 preschoolers from 36 nursery schools in Kisumu Municipality-Kenya and 146 ECD teachers.
Stratified Cluster sampling was used in selecting all the participants. Study results showed that the overall mean
nutrition knowledge score of the children was 51.7%. Few children (39.2%) were aware of the foods that should
be eaten more frequently by them. There were significant differences between the children’s mean scores by
their age (F = 96.46, p = 0.000). Children who were taught by teachers with previous training in Early
Childhood Development scored higher that those children who were taught by teachers without the training.
Mean nutrition knowledge score of the teachers was 53.3%. Only 22.6% of teachers were aware that goiter is
caused by iodine deficiency while 46.6% were aware of foods rich in vitamin C and A. The study recommends
training of nutrition education and closer collaboration between teachers and parents in teaching young children
good nutrition. The government and relevant education institutions should also reinforce nutrition education
in nursery school according to the education policy and to facilitate teaching materials for the same.
Key words: ECD teacher education, perception, preschoolers nutrition knowledge, , , ,
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Cite this Reference:
M.A. Ayieko and J.L. Anyango, . Evaluation of Nutrition Knowledge and Perception of Good Food among Nursery School Pupils in Kisumu Municipality-Kenya. Advance Journal of Food Science and Technology, (3): 165-172.
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ISSN (Online): 2042-4876
ISSN (Print): 2042-4868 |
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