J Nutr Health.  2017 Dec;50(6):645-654. 10.4163/jnh.2017.50.6.645.

Current status of dietary education in elementary, middle and high school in Gyeonggi province: Comparison according to school level and placement of nutrition teacher

• Lee Y
• Kwon SY
• Kim JH
• Kim OS

• KMID: 2401020
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4163/jnh.2017.50.6.645

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the current status of dietary education carried out by dieticians or nutrition teachers at elementary, middle, and high schools in Gyeonggi province. We compared dietary education status not only among school level but also between dieticians and nutrition teachers.
METHODS
The survey using self-administered questionnaires was conducted by dieticians or nutrition teachers at 91 schools (43 elementary schools, 33 middle schools, and 15 high schools) in Gyeonggi province in December, 2015. The questionnaire consisted of questions regarding general characteristics of respondents, current status of dietary education, opinion about dietary education methods, and cooperation level of persons concerned.
RESULTS
The placement rate of nutrition teachers was 50.5% overall. Only 36 out of 91 schools conducted regular dietary education, and the percentage of schools conducting regular dietary education was significantly different according to school level with the lowest percentage in high schools, equivalent to 20% (p = 0.003). The average annual dietary education time was 12.4 hours, and it was very low in high schools (5.1 hours) and in schools without a nutrition teacher (1.6 hours). The levels of cooperation and support from principals, teachers, parents, and students were significantly lower in high schools than elementary and middle schools (all p < 0.001) and in schools without a nutrition teacher than schools with a nutrition teacher (all p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The results show that the level of dietary education is not enough and needs to be improved, especially at middle and high schools and at schools without a nutrition teacher. Government support polices need to be implemented to encourage dietary educational activities.

Keyword

school; nutrition teacher; dietician; dietary education

MeSH Terms

Education*
Gyeonggi-do*
Humans
Nutritionists
Parents
Surveys and Questionnaires

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