Evaluation of Nutrition Knowledge, Sources of Nutrition Information and Digital Healthy Diet Literacy of Schoolteachers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Authors : Arzu Kabasakal Çetin

Pages : 967-976

Doi:10.37989/gumussagbil.1228024

View : 54 | Download : 46

Publication Date : 2023-09-26

Article Type : Research

Abstract :Schoolteachers who interact with students continuously and intensively are important role models for students to gain healthy eating habits and eating behaviors. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate teachers\' nutrition knowledge, sources of nutrition information and digital healthy diet literacy. This cross-sectional study was conducted online between May 2022 and July 2022. Schoolteachers completed Nutrition Knowledge Scale and Digital Healthy Diet Literacy Scale and the questionnaire containing questions about sociodemographic characteristics and sources of nutrition information. Schoolteachers’ average scores of nutrition knowledge was found to be 94.54±12.97. About 65.6% of the participants had mid-to-high nutrition knowledge. Participants who had information about healthy nutrition had higher nutrition knowledge scores (p=0.013). Participants who used medical institution (p=0.007) and scientific books and publications (p<0.001) for nutrition information scored higher marks on the nutrition knowledge assessment. It was showed that Digital Healthy Diet Literacy of schoolteachers whose nutrition knowledge was low-to-mid were higher than schoolteachers whose nutrition knowledge was mid-to-high (p=0.007). Nutrition knowledge of most of schoolteachers were mid-to- high. It is crucial to select right information sources in order to increase nutrition knowledge. Teachers play an important role in promoting of healthy eating habits for students and their families by becoming role models and referring them to the right sources of information. Therefore, it is very important to enhance nutrition knowledge of school teachers and implement nutrition educations regularly in order to promote healthy nutrition and eating behaviors from childhood to adolescence.
Keywords : Beslenme Bilgi Düzeyi, Beslenme Eğitimi, Bilgi Kaynakları, Dijital Sağlıklı Diyet Okuryazarlığı, Öğretmen