Fruit and vegetables - Attitudes and knowledge of primary school children

Authors: Edwards, J.S.A. and Hartwell, H.H.

Journal: Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics

Volume: 15

Issue: 5

Pages: 365-374

ISSN: 0952-3871

DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-277X.2002.00386.x

Abstract:

Objectives. To evaluate whether children, aged 8-11 years could correctly identify commonly available fruit and vegetables; to assess the acceptability of these; and to gain a broad understanding of children's perceptions of 'healthy eating'. Methods. Fruit and vegetables used were those readily available in retail outlets in the UK. Data were collected from three year-groups (n = 221) using a questionnaire supported by semistructured interviews and discussions. Results. Overall, fruit was more popular than vegetables and recognition of fruit better; melons being the least well identified. Recognition of vegetables increased with age; the least well identified being cabbage which was confused with lettuce by 32, 16 and 17% of pupils in their respective age groups. Most children (75%) were familiar with the term healthy eating, citing school (46%) as the most common source of information. Pupils showed an awareness and understanding of current recommendations for a balanced diet, although the message has become confused. Conclusions. If fresh fruit and vegetables are to form part of a balanced diet, the 'health message' needs to be clear. Fruit is well liked; vegetables are less acceptable with many being poorly recognized, factors which need to be addressed.

Source: Scopus

Fruit and vegetables--attitudes and knowledge of primary school children.

Authors: Edwards, J.S.A. and Hartwell, H.H.

Journal: J Hum Nutr Diet

Volume: 15

Issue: 5

Pages: 365-374

ISSN: 0952-3871

DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-277x.2002.00386.x

Abstract:

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether children, aged 8-11 years could correctly identify commonly available fruit and vegetables; to assess the acceptability of these; and to gain a broad understanding of children's perceptions of 'healthy eating'. METHODS: Fruit and vegetables used were those readily available in retail outlets in the UK. Data were collected from three year-groups (n = 221) using a questionnaire supported by semistructured interviews and discussions. RESULTS: Overall, fruit was more popular than vegetables and recognition of fruit better; melons being the least well identified. Recognition of vegetables increased with age; the least well identified being cabbage which was confused with lettuce by 32, 16 and 17% of pupils in their respective age groups. Most children (75%) were familiar with the term healthy eating, citing school (46%) as the most common source of information. Pupils showed an awareness and understanding of current recommendations for a balanced diet, although the message has become confused. CONCLUSIONS: If fresh fruit and vegetables are to form part of a balanced diet, the 'health message' needs to be clear. Fruit is well liked; vegetables are less acceptable with many being poorly recognized, factors which need to be addressed.

Source: PubMed

Fruit and vegetables - attitudes and knowledge of primary school children

Authors: Edwards, J. and Hartwell, H.

Journal: Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics

Volume: 15

Pages: 365-374

ISSN: 0952-3871

DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-277X.2002.00386.x

Abstract:

Objectives To evaluate whether children, aged 8–11 years could correctly identify commonly available fruit and vegetables; to assess the acceptability of these; and to gain a broad understanding of children's perceptions of 'healthy eating'.

Methods Fruit and vegetables used were those readily available in retail outlets in the UK. Data were collected from three year-groups (n = 221) using a questionnaire supported by semistructured interviews and discussions.

Results Overall, fruit was more popular than vegetables and recognition of fruit better; melons being the least well identified. Recognition of vegetables increased with age; the least well identified being cabbage which was confused with lettuce by 32, 16 and 17% of pupils in their respective age groups. Most children (75%) were familiar with the term healthy eating, citing school (46%) as the most common source of information. Pupils showed an awareness and understanding of current recommendations for a balanced diet, although the message has become confused.

Conclusions If fresh fruit and vegetables are to form part of a balanced diet, the 'health message' needs to be clear. Fruit is well liked; vegetables are less acceptable with many being poorly recognized, factors which need to be addressed.

http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/links/doi/10.1046/j.1365-277X.2002.00386.x

Source: Manual

Preferred by: Heather Hartwell

Fruit and vegetables--attitudes and knowledge of primary school children.

Authors: Edwards, J.S.A. and Hartwell, H.H.

Journal: Journal of human nutrition and dietetics : the official journal of the British Dietetic Association

Volume: 15

Issue: 5

Pages: 365-374

eISSN: 1365-277X

ISSN: 0952-3871

DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-277x.2002.00386.x

Abstract:

Objectives

To evaluate whether children, aged 8-11 years could correctly identify commonly available fruit and vegetables; to assess the acceptability of these; and to gain a broad understanding of children's perceptions of 'healthy eating'.

Methods

Fruit and vegetables used were those readily available in retail outlets in the UK. Data were collected from three year-groups (n = 221) using a questionnaire supported by semistructured interviews and discussions.

Results

Overall, fruit was more popular than vegetables and recognition of fruit better; melons being the least well identified. Recognition of vegetables increased with age; the least well identified being cabbage which was confused with lettuce by 32, 16 and 17% of pupils in their respective age groups. Most children (75%) were familiar with the term healthy eating, citing school (46%) as the most common source of information. Pupils showed an awareness and understanding of current recommendations for a balanced diet, although the message has become confused.

Conclusions

If fresh fruit and vegetables are to form part of a balanced diet, the 'health message' needs to be clear. Fruit is well liked; vegetables are less acceptable with many being poorly recognized, factors which need to be addressed.

Source: Europe PubMed Central