Date of Graduation

5-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Nursing

Advisor/Mentor

Vowell-Johnson, Kelly

Committee Member/Reader

Scott, Allison

Committee Member/Second Reader

Shreve, Marilou

Abstract

Obesity is a growing problem and has shown no signs of improvement over the past decade, with an estimated one in five children between the ages of six and seventeen are overweight. This problem is even more prevalent in ethnic minorities and socioeconomically disadvantaged families. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the EBMM program nutrition module on 4th and 5th grade student’s food choices. The study was conducted at an elementary school in Northwest Arkansas. A convenience sample of 4th and 5th grade students was chosen to participate in the study. Nursing students created education modules on healthy habits, nutrition, exercise, and sleep as part of an Eat Better Move More initiative. The modules were then taught by the classroom teacher. A Pre-test was given prior to the first module and a post test was given after each educational session, in addition to content knowledge quizzes after each of the four sessions. The results indicated that nutrition education increased healthy food choices for snacks, while healthy choices at school are lacking for children. Knowledge of healthy food choices improved in the student group after the nutrition module. Further studies should be conducted on available food choices offered in the school settings, as this is a main nutrition source for many students.

Keywords

Obesity; healthy habits; ethnic minority; nutrition; students; school

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