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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2010 Mar 10:10:123.
doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-10-123.

A novel school-based intervention to improve nutrition knowledge in children: cluster randomised controlled trial

Rajalakshmi R Lakshman  1 , Stephen J Sharp, Ken K Ong, Nita G Forouhi
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

A novel school-based intervention to improve nutrition knowledge in children: cluster randomised controlled trial

Rajalakshmi R Lakshman et al. BMC Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: Improving nutrition knowledge among children may help them to make healthier food choices. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and acceptability of a novel educational intervention to increase nutrition knowledge among primary school children.

Methods: We developed a card game 'Top Grub' and a 'healthy eating' curriculum for use in primary schools. Thirty-eight state primary schools comprising 2519 children in years 5 and 6 (aged 9-11 years) were recruited in a pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial. The main outcome measures were change in nutrition knowledge scores, attitudes to healthy eating and acceptability of the intervention by children and teachers.

Results: Twelve intervention and 13 control schools (comprising 1133 children) completed the trial. The main reason for non-completion was time pressure of the school curriculum. Mean total nutrition knowledge score increased by 1.1 in intervention (baseline to follow-up: 28.3 to 29.2) and 0.3 in control schools (27.3 to 27.6). Total nutrition knowledge score at follow-up, adjusted for baseline score, deprivation, and school size, was higher in intervention than in control schools (mean difference = 1.1; 95% CI: 0.05 to 2.16; p = 0.042). At follow-up, more children in the intervention schools said they 'are currently eating a healthy diet' (39.6%) or 'would try to eat a healthy diet' (35.7%) than in control schools (34.4% and 31.7% respectively; chi-square test p < 0.001). Most children (75.5%) enjoyed playing the game and teachers considered it a useful resource.

Conclusions: The 'Top Grub' card game facilitated the enjoyable delivery of nutrition education in a sample of UK primary school age children. Further studies should determine whether improvements in nutrition knowledge are sustained and lead to changes in dietary behaviour.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Example of 'Top Grub' cards.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Progress of schools and pupils through the trial.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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