The association between nutrition and physical activity knowledge and weight status of primary school educators
نویسندگان
چکیده
The purpose of this study was to investigate primary school educators’ health status, knowledge, perceptions and behaviour regarding nutrition and physical activity.Thus, nutrition and physical activity knowledge, attitudes, behaviour and risk factors for the development of non-communicable diseases of 155 educators were assessed in a cross-sectional survey. Height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure and random glucose levels were measured. Twenty percent of the sample had normal weight (body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) < 25), 27.7% were overweight (BMI$ 25 to < 30) and 52.3% were obese (BMI < 30). Most of the participants were younger than 45 years (54.2%), females 78.1%, resided in urban areas (50.3%), with high blood pressure ($ 140/90 mmHg: 50.3%), and were inactive (48.7%) with a high waist circumference (> 82 cm: 57.4%). Educators’ nutrition and physical activity knowledge was poor. Sixty-nine percent of educators incorrectly believed that eating starchy foods causes weight gain and only 15% knew that one should eat five or more fruit and/or vegetables per day. Aspects of poor nutritional knowledge, misconceptions regarding actual body weight status, and challenges in changing health behaviours, emerged as issues which need to be addressed among educators. Educators’ high risk for developing chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) may impact on educator absenteeism and subsequently on school functioning. The aspects of poor nutrition and physical activity knowledge along with educators’ high risk for NCD development may be particularly significant not merely in relation to their personal health but also the learners they teach.
منابع مشابه
Effect of a School-based Nutrition Education Program on the Nutritional Status of Primary School Children
Background and Objectives: Regarding the high prevalence of unhealthy food habits among Iranian children, we aimed to assess the effect of a school-based nutrition education program on nutritional status of primary school students in Shiraz. Materials and Methods: This randomized educational controlled trial was carried out on 221 primary school age children selected by cluster sampling in t...
متن کاملAssessment of nutritional status, dietary habits and physical activity of adolescents in Bandar Abbas, Iran
Introduction: Formation of certain food patterns are affected by food habits in childhood and adolescence period, which would be the indicator of adequate nutrients intakes for growth, development and health in future. The aim of this study was to assess weight and physical activity status and determine food habits in high school students. Methods: In this study cross sectional study, 800 stude...
متن کاملPhysical Activity and Nutritional Status in Females With Vaginal Delivery and Cesarean Section in Razi Hospital, Qazvin
Background The effect of physical activity and nutrition on the method of childbirth has been studied; however, it cannot be assured. Objective This study aimed to explore the relationship between the type of delivery and nutrition and physical activity. Methods In a case-control study, women were entered either in cesarean section or normal vaginal delivery (each group: 52 subjects) groups....
متن کاملPhysical Activity Status of Elementary School Children in Bushehr in 1398
Background and Objectives: Physical activity is one of the most important components of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical activity level of primary school students in Bushehr in 1398. Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study, the research population included all elementary school students in Bushehr. Four hundred and six students were selected usi...
متن کاملبررسی وضعیت تغذیه دانش آموزان مدارس ابتدائی شهر بندرعباس به روش تن سنجی
Primary school students constitute an important demographic category: the fact that they are going through a phase of rapid physical, social and mental growth makes them especially vulnerable to the obnoxious effects of disease and malnutrition. In Iran, one of the major causes of malnutrition and growth deficiency is lack of food. The objective of this study was using anthropometric techniques...
متن کامل