Knowledge Attitude and Reported Practices toward Optimal Nutrition among Preparatory School Students

Ateya, Eman; Fouad, Nawal; Abd El-Wahid, Hassan; Younes, Mona

doi:10.21608/pssjn.2016.32492

Knowledge Attitude and Reported Practices toward Optimal Nutrition among Preparatory School Students

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Family and Community Health Nursing , faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University

² Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University

³ Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University

⁴ Community and Family Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Port Said University

10.21608/pssjn.2016.32492

Abstract

Background: Nutrition is a major component and determinant of the quality of life, so
intake adequate and balanced nutrition is foundations for good health in adulthood. The
aim of this study: was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices toward optimal
nutrition among the governmental preparatory school students in Dekerness city at
Dakahlia governorate. Research design: a descriptive design ( cross-section ) was used.
Sample: this study included 303 students who were selected by a simple random
sampling method. The used tool was a self-reported questionnaire which developed by
the researcher and includes socio-demographic characters of the students, assessment of
their knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding optimal nutrition. Results: the total
number of males was (50.2%) while the total number of females was (49.8%). The
satisfactory level of all students' knowledge was (61.4%), the satisfactory level of all
students' attitudes was (75.6%) and the satisfactory level of all students' reported
practices regarding optimal nutrition was (72.6%). Conclusion: the majority of all
students had a satisfactory level of knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding optimal
nutrition. Although there was no statistically significant difference between the
knowledge score and attitude score, but there was a statistically significant difference
between knowledge score and practice score. At the same time there was statistically
significant difference between the attitude score and practice score of the students.
Recommendation: A health educational program should be implemented for
Preparatory School Students about the importance of the proper nutrition and define the
health problems resulting from insufficient dietary intake.

Keywords