Development and Application of a Web-Based Tailored Nutrition Management Program and Change in Knowledge of Nutrition and Eating Habits in Elementary Students

Song, Hee Young; Kim, Gi Yon; Park, So Mi; Hur, Hea Kung

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
This study was undertaken to develop and apply a web-based tailored nutrition management program for elementary school students.
METHODS
One group pretest, posttest design was used with a random sample of 5th and 6th grade students in two elementary schools out of the 20 elementary schools in W city. The web-based nutrition program was developed based on previous studies and existing web sites related to nutrition education and management. It consisted of a combination of web-based step-by-step self-checkups and web-based instructions on knowledge of nutrition, eating habits, and perception and satisfaction with body shape etc. Students completed web-based questionnaires on knowledge of nutrition and eating habits at baseline and three weeks later. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-test.
RESULTS
Knowledge of nutrition and practice of correct eating habits increased significantly after the students completed the web-based program.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that a web-based nutrition management program is effective for nutrition education for children in terms of accessibility, compliance, and client-initiative.