Effects of Nutrition Education through Social Cognitive Theory in Elementary School Students -Focusing on the Nutrition Education of Sugar Intake-

The purpose of this study was to identify the effectiveness of a nutrition education program of reducing children's sugar intake based on social cognitive theory. This education program composed of 6 units was conducted in discretional activity class of the $3^{rd}$ and $4^{th}$ grade elementary school students. The results are as follows: First, the rate of correct answers and score of nutrition knowledge significantly increased after nutrition education. The scores of nutrition education in male students, students whose mothers have no job, and students with skinny physiques were much improved after nutrition education(p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.001, respectively). Second, the dietary attitudes toward reducing sugar intake and checking nutrition labels significantly improved(p<0.05). And also, it tended to decrease in preference and intake of sweet foods. Third, the consumption of candy caramel jelly(p<0.05), yogurt(p<0.05), jam honey(p<0.05), and ice cream(p<0.001) were reduced after nutrition education. Besides, obese students' consumption of isotonic beverages, carbonated beverages, and fruit juice was reduced. Therefore, a positive change in dietary behavior appeared. Based on the above results, we confirmed that the nutrition education program focusing on reducing sugar intake applied with social cognitive theory was effective for improving the nutrition knowledge, dietary attitude and dietary behavior in sugar intake in elementary school students. Especially, this program showed the improvement in nutrition knowledge as well as dietary attitude and behavior in sugar intake among obese children. Since nutrition education during childhood significantly influences lifetime-health and disease prevention, it is necessary to develop theory-based nutrition education program and practice systematic and constant nutrition education in elementary schools.