Nutrition literacy and school lunch awareness and satisfaction among parents of Bengbu students

Abstract

Objective To investigate nutrition literacy among parents of students in Bengbu, China, and examine their awareness of school lunches and satisfaction, so as to provide a basis for improving students’ nutrition.

Methods Using a random cluster sampling method, this study carried out a survey among parents of students in grade 2, grade 5, and grade 8 from four primary and middle schools in the central and surrounding urban areas of Bengbu. A total of 2 051 parents were surveyed.

Results The qualified rate of nutritional knowledge was 13.0% and the qualified rate of nutritional behavior was 63.0%. The qualified rate of nutritional knowledge behavior was 25.1%. The proportion of breakfasts consisting of at least three food groups was 28.3%. Nutritional knowledge was largely acquired through the Internet, accounting for 54.6%. The convenience of school lunches was identified as the main reason that parents opted for the school lunch program (86.7%). Parents’ satisfaction with school lunches was 56.8%.

Conclusion It is necessary to strengthen the nutritional knowledge education of parents, and to enhance communication between schools and parents, as well as between parents and children.

Abstract

【摘要】 目的 了解蚌埠市学生家长营养知识行为及学校午餐认知和满意度, 为改善学生营养提供相关依据。 方法 采 用整群随机抽样方法, 在蚌埠市区范围内 (不含所辖县) 分别从中心城区和周边城区各抽取4所中小学校中的二、五和八 年级2 051名学生家长为调査对象, 进行营养知识行为及学校午餐认知和满意度的问卷调査。 结果 蚌埠市学生家长营 养知识合格率为13.0%, 营养行为合格率为63.0%;营养知识行为合格率为25.1%;早餐包含3类及以上食物的比例为 28.3%;营养知识主要来源于“电脑上网”, 占54.6%;家长选择学校午餐的首要理由是“在学校吃比较方便”, 占86.7%;家 长对学校午餐的满意度达56.8%; 结论 应加强学生家长的营养知识教育, 加强学校与家长的沟通以及家长与孩子的 沟通。