Relationships between Knowledge, Attitude and Dietary Behavior among the Overweight and Obese Students

Abstract

The purpose of this survey research was to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitude and dietary behavior of students in Prathomsuksa 1 to 6 who were classified as overweight and obese. Data were collected from 164 students from six schools within the Choho Sub-district, Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Data were collected during August 2016 to April 2017 by using the researchers-adapted questionnaire. General data, knowledge level, attitude and dietary behavior were subsequently analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the relationship between knowledge, attitude and dietary behavior were analyzed using inferential statistics, including Pearson's correlation, where the statistical significance level was determined at 0.05. Results revealed that 62.20% of the sample group was male, with an average age of 9.54 years (SD = 1.63). When compared to the same gender and age, 73.17% of the sample group had the perception that they were too obese. The sample group received an average of 45.77 Baht (SD = 23.10) daily for school allowance, where 31.10% of which was used it to buy fried food, followed by 27.44% for crispy snacks or chips. Results showed that 11.59% of the students consumed more than three meals, and 70.12% received information on the prevention of overweight and obesity. The information was shown to come from textbooks at 98.17%, followed by newsletters at 96.34%. The sample group had moderate knowledge on food consumption at 42.68%, moderate attitude towards food consumption at 68.90%, and fair dietary behavior at 83.53%.

When classified according to the reference criteria for growth in male and females between the ages of 5 to 18 years, it was found that 51.22% of the sample group was obese. Attitudes towards food consumption showed significantly positive correlation with the dietary behavior of obese students (r = 0.228, p-value = 0.037). Therefore, parents, guardians, homeroom teachers, lecturers and relevant bodies may use information from this study as a guideline to encourage the children to realize the importance of healthy food consumption. This may be conducted by inserting content into daily life and teaching lessons, as well as promotes news on the prevention of overweight and obesity through various media that children may easily access.