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. 2012 Jan 10:9:1.
doi: 10.1186/1479-5868-9-1.

Health-related knowledge and preferences in low socio-economic kindergarteners

Dan Nemet  1 , Deganit Geva, Yoav Meckel, Alon Eliakim
Affiliations

Health-related knowledge and preferences in low socio-economic kindergarteners

Dan Nemet et al. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. .

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine physical activity (PA) and nutrition knowledge and preferences in low socio-economic status kindergarten children.

Methods: Following height and weight measurement, 795 low socio-economic status kindergarten children (age 3.8-6.8 y.o) completed a photo-pair knowledge and preferences food and exercise questionnaire.

Results: No difference was found between nutrition and PA knowledge scores (52.3 ± 0.9 versus 52.6 ± 0.8%, respectively). There was no difference between the nutrition knowledge and preference score (52.3 ± 0.9 versus 50.9 ± 0.9%, respectively). PA preference was significantly higher than knowledge (56.9 ± 1.5 versus 52.6 ± 0.8%, respectively; p < 0.0001). Significant correlations were found between nutrition knowledge and preferences (r = 0.55, p < 0.0001), physical activity knowledge and preferences (r = 0.46, p < 0.0001), and nutrition and PA preferences (r = 0.46, p < 0.001). Nutrition preference scores were significantly lower in overweight compared to normal weight kindergartners 48.1 ± 1.7 versus 52.0 ± 1.0%; p < 0.05). PA knowledge and preference scores were significantly higher among male compared to the female kindergartners (p < 0.001 for both).

Conclusion: Our data demonstrate diversities in physical activity and nutrition knowledge and preferences among low socio-economic status kindergarten children. These findings may be important for the development of health promotion programs in low socioeconomic kindergarten children.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Nutrition and physical activity knowledge and preferences of low socio-economic status kindergarten children.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Differences in nutrition and physical activity knowledge and preferences between low and moderate-high socio-economic kindergarten children.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Differences in nutrition and physical activity knowledge and preferencesbetween normal weight and overweight low socioeconomic kindergarten children.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Differences in nutrition and physical activity knowledge and preferences between female and male low socioeconomic kindergarten children.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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