Impact of Nutritional Education on Eating Behaviors of Pupils During Three Meals

Objective To assess the impact of nutritional education on eating behaviors of pupils during three meals, and to promote forming of their healthy eating behaviors. Methods One thousand four hundred and twenty three pupils at grade 3 5 in 3 primary schools of Hangzhou and Wenzhou were given education about diet behaviors and nutritional knowledge. Before and after the education, a questionnaire survey was conducted respectively. Results Pupils who had breakfast everyday accounted for 83.3%. Pupils who had breakfast, lunch and supper at home accounted for 75.8%, 31.5%, and 92.6% respectively. Eating behaviors of pupils while eating lunch improved through the education, but no obvious changes were found in their eating behaviors at breakfast or supper; the effects of family members on eating behaviors of pupils were greater. After education, pupils had more nutrition knowledge. Conclusion Primary school based nutrition education is effective in improving pupils' nutrition knowledge and in promoting their healthy eating behaviors. However, it is necessary to implement nutrition education among family members.