Awareness of schoolchildren in matters of rational nutrition

Aim. To assess the level of awareness of pupils (grades 9-10) of secondary schools in Karaganda city regarding rational nutrition.

Materials and methods. As a part of a cross-sectional study, the level of awareness of pupils (grades 9-10) of secondary schools in Karaganda city regarding rational nutrition was assessed using the active questionnaire survey. 400 students aged 14-15 took part in the survey. Before the questionnaire survey, the respondents were informed about the research objectives, and the confidentiality and anonymity of the answers were guaranteed. Statistical data processing was performed using Microsoft Office Excel 2007 software.

Results and discussion. The analysis of the survey results demonstrated the insufficient level of knowledge among students regarding rational nutrition. Only 43% pupils were able to correctly answer the question of which substances are the main source of energy in the body. 56% pupils demonstrated knowledge about the plastic role of proteins in the human body. Only 14% pupils new the «alimentary-dependent diseases» concept. The majority of respondents associated rational nutrition only with the prevention of obesity, diabetes and anorexia.

So, 23.3% respondents believed that less than 400 grams of vegetables and fruits are enough in the daily diet, 17.8% believed that only vegetables should be in the daily diet, since fruits contribute to weight gain and have a harmful effect on health. 88% pupils were convinced that gluten «glues blood vessels and intestines», promotes weight gain and the development of inflammatory processes. 68.5% respondents believed that washing down food with liquid is harmful, as liquid can «dilute» gastric juice and disrupt the digestion of food. 59.5% pupils adhere to the myth of the dangers of eating after 18:00.

Conclusions. The results of the study demonstrate a low level of awareness among schoolchildren regarding rational nutrition, which can lead to the formation of irrational eating behavior in them and, as a result, a prerequisite for the development of alimentary-dependent diseases. It is necessary to develop and implement educational programs aimed at improving the level of literacy of adolescents in matters of healthy nutrition. This will reduce the risks associated with the occurrence of functional disorders and diseases in the future.

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