Survey of knowledge and attitude of mothers about consuming healthy breakfast and snacks in children

Background and Aims: The consumption of healthy breakfast and snack have an important role in the physical and mental health of students, so that a perfect and appropriate breakfast will enhance the learning power and happiness of the children. The aim of this study was to assess the awareness and attitude of mothers in Islamshahr city regarding the consumption of healthy breakfast and snack by children. Materials and Methods: Throughout the present descriptive and analytical study, ۳۱۵ boys and girls were selected by cluster random sampling and their mothers were invited to participate in the study. Data were collected using appropriate questionnaires that included demographic characteristics, questions related to the knowledge and attitude. The validity of questionnaires were assessed in view of the apparent face and content. Test-retest method and internal consistency were used for questionnaires reliability. Correlation coefficient and Cronbach alpha coefficient were ۰.۷۳ and ۰.۸۳, respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS ۱۶ software considering t-tests and variance analysis (ANOVA). All stages of this research were conducted ethically. Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference between the status of mothers› employment as well as their education level with the average score of knowledge and attitude (p<۰.۰۰۱). The mothers› knowledge about consuming healthy breakfast and snack was also poor (p>۰.۰۵), but their attitude was evaluated at a good level (p<۰.۰۵). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it is better to emphasize on awareness raising strategies in designing nutritional interventions for consuming breakfast and snack in mothers of students.

Keywords:

Healthy Breakfast , Healthy Snack , Mothers , Knowledge , Attitude