Identifying Differences in Nutrition‐Related Learning Interests of Adolescent Students. (1st February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Miller, Margaret; Barwood, Donna; Furfaro, Michael; Boston, Julie; Smith, Sandra; Masek, Martin
• Is Part Of: Journal of school health. Volume 91:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 277
• Page End: 284
• Publication Date: 2021-02-01
• Subjects: child and adolescent health -- nutrition and diet -- school health instruction; School health services -- Periodicals; School children -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Health education -- Periodicals; School Health Services -- Periodicals; Health Education -- Periodicals; 371.71
• DOI: 10.1111/josh.12997
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-4391

Abstract

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: In this study, we examined nutrition‐related topics among adolescent students attending schools with different Indices of Community Socio‐Educational Advantage (ICSEA). METHOD: Participating students (N = 206) from 5 schools in Western Australia completed a paper‐based questionnaire on nutrition‐related topics. Frequencies and independent chi‐square tests were used to identify differences between sexes and school ICSEA. RESULTS: Of the participating students, 75% were interested in learning about 8 of 16 topics. We found statistically significant differences by sex (p < .01) for "Eating the right foods for preventing illness and disease, " "Eating the right food for being active" among girls, and "Reducing food waste" among boys. We also noted differences by school ICSEA. CONCLUSION: Acknowledging sex and socioeducational differences in teaching and learning may help teachers to engage adolescent students in nutrition education.