The purpose of this study was to assess nutrition knowledge, attitudes, practices and weight control behaviors among teachers from South Carolina. The survey was part of the 1997 Nutrition Education and Training Assessment Plan administered by the Office of Food School Services and Nutrition. Subjects were teachers (n=93, 78% females, 78% white) randomly selected from among all state public schools. Teachers who were currently teaching nutrition had higher scores on knowledge, attitudes and dietary practices. Sources of information during the last year included newspapers, books and TV. Almost all (91.3%) would like to know more about nutrition, especially on healthy choices, nutrition and fitness, and dietary guidelines. A good nutrition education curriculum and in service training were listed as the most effective factors in teaching nutrition. Videos, workshops and group discussions were the preferred approaches for nutrition training, while cooperative learning and demonstration were listed as the most effective methods of teaching nutrition. Teachers rarely (19%) used the cafeteria as a laboratory for instruction, mostly for poster displays and discussions related to menu. Over three fourths (77%) of the teachers surveyed were concerned about their weight and 64% perceived themselves as overweight. During the past month, 4.6% used diet pills and 45% used other methods to control their weight. The general positive attitudes toward nutrition suggest a degree of receptivity to greater involvement in nutrition education. These results provide baseline data for planning nutrition education programs for teachers, which should include elements to increase sensitivity to their own weight-related behaviors.
Learning Objectives: To assess and describe nutrition related knowledge, attitudes,and practices in a representative sample of South Carolina educators
Keywords: Nutrition, School Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.