Health education effects on nutritional behavior modification in primary school students

Malnutrition has great effects on causing various diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, stroke, cancer, diabetes, digestive disorders as well as bone and joint diseases. As the childhood experiences are the main causes of bad hygienic behaviors, this study was performed to determine the effect of health education on nutritional behaviors modification among primary school students of Qazvin. This quasi-experimental study was carried out on 176 students, in two groups of case and control. A questionnaire of three parts, (demography, knowledge and behavior) and a checklist of direct observation were used to collect data. Two educational methods were used: direct education (face to face education with question) and indirect education (using booklets and other educational subjects). At the end of the education, the effects of educational programs on knowledge and behaviors of the students were assessed. The results showed that there were significant increases in knowledge (from 23.61±6.21 to 30.62±4.96) and nutritional behaviors (from 19.98± 6.63 to 13.19±7.08) after education (p<0.01). Also education had a positive effect on changing the breakfast habit p<0.05. Based on the results of this study and due to importance of the role of students in the future and low expense of health education, extension of similar education programs is necessary.