Int J Sports Med 2007; 28(10): 887-890
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-965001
Behavioural Sciences

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Physical Activity and Nutrition Knowledge and Preferences in Kindergarten Children

D. Nemet1 , S. Perez1 , O. Reges1 , A. Eliakim1
  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Child Health and Sports Center, Meir General Hospital, Kfar Saba, Israel
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision September 26, 2006

Publication Date:
11 May 2007 (online)

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Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine physical activity and nutritional knowledge and preferences in kindergarten children. Following height and weight measurement, and age and gender adjusted BMI percentile calculation, 202 kindergarten children (4 - 6.5 yr) completed twice in a random order, a photo-pair food and exercise questionnaire. Knowledge was determined by asking the child to choose food/activity that would make a selected doll healthier, while preferences where determined by the child's own choise. Nutritional knowledge score was higher than the physical activity knowledge score (73.4 ± 1.5 vs. 67.5 ± 1.9 %, p < 0.006), while the nutrition preference score was lower than the physical activity preference score (42.2 ± 1. 8 vs. 66.5 ± 1.6 %, p < 0.0001). There was a difference between nutrition knowledge and preferences (73.4 ± 1.5 vs. 42.2 ± 1.8 %, p < 0.0001). No differences were found between physical activity knowledge and preferences. No differences were found between overweight and normal weight kindergartners. Female kindergartners had higher nutrition knowledge and preference scores, but lower physical activity preference scores compared to male kindergartners. Our data suggest that in developing health promotion programs for kindergarten children, an effort should be made to increase physical activity knowledge and to improve nutritional preferences.

References

Dr. Alon Eliakim

Department of Pediatrics
Child Health and Sports Center
Meir General Hospital

59 Tshernichowski street

45821 Kfar-saba

Israel

Phone: + 97 297 47 21 34

Fax: + 97 297 47 13 03

Email: eliakim@zahav.net.il