Developing a nutrition and health education program for primary schools in Zambia.
School-based health and nutrition interventions in developing countries aim at improving children's nutrition and learning ability. In addition to the food and health inputs, children need access to education that is relevant to their lives, of good quality, and effective in its approach. Based on evidence from the Zambia Nutrition Education in Basic Schools (NEBS) project, this article examines whether and to what extent school-based health and nutrition education can contribute directly to improving the health and nutrition behaviors of school children. Initial results suggest that gains in awareness, knowledge and behavior can be achieved among children and their families with an actively implemented classroom program backed by teacher training and parent involvement, even in the absence of school-based nutrition and health services.
Sherman
Jane
J
FAO Education Consultant, Rome, Italy.
Muehlhoff
Ellen
E
D000293:Adolescent; D017195:Adolescent Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D003479:Curriculum; D003906:Developing Countries; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000379:methods; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000193:education; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012572:School Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013664:Teaching Materials; D015024:Zambia