Investigation of the effect of nutritional education on the nutritional habits and nutritional knowledge levels of primary school teachers: An experimental study

In this study, it was aimed to improve the nutritional habits and nutritional knowledge levels of teachers working in primary school through nutrition education. In the research carried out with 25 teachers, 25 of whom were in the experimental group and 25 of them in the control group, nutrition education was given to the experimental group by the researcher. The change in the nutritional habits and nutritional knowledge levels of the groups was evaluated by comparing the pre-test and post-test scores to which the prepared measurement tool was applied. The research data were collected by "Data Collection Form" developed by the researcher, "Food Consumption Frequency Registration Form", "Nutritional Habits Scale" and "General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire". Body Mass Index (BMI) values were calculated and recorded by measuring the length and body weight of the participants by the researcher. It was determined that the teachers (70%, n = 35) who participated in the research did not receive any nutritional training in a previous period and 70% (n = 35) smoked. According to the BMI classification of teachers in the experimental group (23.17 ± 5.43), the control group (24.14 ± 5.13) and in both groups (23.73 ± 4.78), BMI values were There was no statistically significant difference. No change was observed in the food consumption frequency and eating habits of the control group. In the experimental group, a positive change was observed in food consumption frequencies and dietary habits, depending on the nutrition education provided. According to these results, it is thought that giving nutrition education to teachers, who are role models, is important on nutritional habits and nutritional knowledge levels. Key Words: Food Consumption Frequency, Nutritional Habits, Nutrition Knowledge, Nutrition Education, Primary School Teachers.