Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Date

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Nutrition

Committee Chair

Tracy Bruen

Committee Member

Mary Van der merwe

Committee Member

Mary Catherine Schallert

Committee Member

Melissa Petersen

Abstract

Abstract According to the World Health Organization, over 39 million children are categorized as obese.1 Several factors contribute to obesity: diet, lifestyle, environment, genetics, and socioeconomic factors.2 The most effective form of eradicating obesity is through preventative measures.2 Prevention through early exposure to nutrition education can build healthy habits and reduce the likelihood of obesity related comorbidities.3 This study’s aim was to determine if children who participate in a 12-week nutrition education program could sustain similar eating patterns, participation in meal preparation, and nutrition knowledge 6 months post program. Outcomes were assessed using quantitative and qualitative survey research. 13 participants were included. Guardian/parental consent was received before administration of the survey. No intervention was performed. Statistics were collected through UofM Survey Tool (Qualtrics). Paired T-tests were run to determine significance. Results: There was no significant change in average daily intake of the 5 food groups and added sugar six months post program compared to immediate post program. Fruit and vegetable intake trended lower 6 months post program when compared to results immediate post program, without significance. There was a significant decrease in grocery shopping participation post program (p=0.0002). The average nutrition knowledge score increased from 69% to 82% 6 months post program. Conclusions: The increase in nutrition knowledge is possibly due to the errors of repeated questioning/exposure. Intake is determined by family choices, but nutrition knowledge can increase the likelihood of children choosing healthier options as they age.3 Overall participation in meal preparation decreases without weekly nutritional intervention. Multicomponent short-term nutrition education can possibly aid in retainment of knowledge long term.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.”

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to ProQuest.

Notes

Open Access

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