Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Mothers about Healthy Nutrition of Their Children in Fifth and Sixth Year Elementary School

Nutritional deficiencies can lead to physical and mental problems in children. Notably, healthy nutrition is important in effective learning. According to estimates from prior studies, because of the poor nutrition of children and as well as insufficient knowledge of their mothers; this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers about healthy nutrition of their children in fifth and sixth year elementary school.
This descriptive and cross-sectional study in which two-stage cluster sampling, 243 samples were selected for the study. A valid and reliable research tool questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analyzed by SPSS software and independent t test, Pearson correlation coefficient, ANOVA at significant level of p 90.1% (228 person) were housewives and 9.9% (n=24) were employed. Results showed no significant difference in mean score of attitude based on the level of education (p=0.005). There was no significant correlation between knowledge and attitude (r=0.069 and p=0.284), as well as awareness with performance (r=0.004 and p=0.946). But the test showed that there is a direct and significant correlation between attitude and practice (r=0.259 and p According to the findings of the study, knowledge and attitude of mothers of students about healthy nutrition is intermediate and satisfactory. However, given the decisive role of mothers in nutrition of students and because of their lack of knowledge can lead to various disorders in children, proper education of mothers is recommended.