20th Annual Student Research Conference
Human Potential and Performance
Assessing the Knowledge of Nutrition and Exercise in Students K-12 to Help Create an Effective Wellness Strategy
Christine M. Sigmund
Prof. Pamela Gardner, Faculty Mentor
This quantitative research study assesses nutritional knowledge and choice of schoolchildren in Rural Northeast Missouri. An age appropriate survey was created to collect data from students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. A descriptive analysis of the results was completed. Findings indicate students know what healthy food choices are and can identify fruits. 54% of first graders are eating unhealthy snacks. 29% of seniors had a nutritional snack. The results of the survey show children need to be influenced to make nutritional food choices; and focus needs to be on changing behaviors. Implementations have been put into place based on the results of this research. Some of these implementations include no sodas, and healthier food choices in vending machines such as trail mix and granola bars. Further research is needed to determine if BMIs are affected by knowledge or choice. Observation of children’s food choices is needed to validate the conclusions.
Keywords: nursing, nutrition, exercise, knowledge, choice, pediatrics
Topic(s):Nursing
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 36-5
Location: VH 1000
Time: 2:15 pm