Examination of Exercise Status and Attitudes Towards Healthy Nutrition of Teachers Working in Primary Schools in the Western Black Sea Region

The purpose of this research is to examine the exercise status and attitudes towards healthy nutrition of teachers working in primary schools in the Western Black Sea region. The study group consisted of 612 individuals selected using random sampling method. In addition to the personal information form created by the researcher for data collection purposes, the "Healthy Eating Attitude Scale (HEAS)" developed by Tekkurşun-Demir and Cicioğlu (2019) was utilized. Hypotheses formulated within the scope of the study were tested using independent samples t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation analysis methods. As a result of the findings, no significant difference was found in the attitudes towards healthy eating with respect to the gender variable of the participants (p>0.05). On the other hand, statistically significant differences were found in attitudes towards healthy eating based on the participants' exercise habits (p<0.05). Similarly, participants who had previously taken nutrition courses also showed statistically significant attitudes towards healthy eating (p<0.05). In conclusion, based on the research results, it can be inferred that adolescents receiving middle school education perceive their teachers as role models. Therefore, it is evident that teachers catering to this age group, besides many behaviors and lifestyles, when they also positively exhibit healthy eating behavior, will serve as good role models for students. Hence, organizing various educational programs or seminars for both teachers and parents on both healthy lifestyle and attitudes and behaviors related to healthy eating will contribute to the conscious upbringing of our future shining stars, our students.