title: Health-related knowledge and preferences in low socio-economic kindergarteners.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study was to determine physical activity (PA) and nutrition knowledge and preferences in low socio-economic status kindergarten children.
  
  
  METHODS
  Following height and weight measurement, 795 low socio-economic status kindergarten children (age 3.8-6.8 y.o) completed a photo-pair knowledge and preferences food and exercise questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No difference was found between nutrition and PA knowledge scores (52.3 ± 0.9 versus 52.6 ± 0.8%, respectively). There was no difference between the nutrition knowledge and preference score (52.3 ± 0.9 versus 50.9 ± 0.9%, respectively). PA preference was significantly higher than knowledge (56.9 ± 1.5 versus 52.6 ± 0.8%, respectively; p < 0.0001). Significant correlations were found between nutrition knowledge and preferences (r = 0.55, p < 0.0001), physical activity knowledge and preferences (r = 0.46, p < 0.0001), and nutrition and PA preferences (r = 0.46, p < 0.001). Nutrition preference scores were significantly lower in overweight compared to normal weight kindergartners 48.1 ± 1.7 versus 52.0 ± 1.0%; p < 0.05). PA knowledge and preference scores were significantly higher among male compared to the female kindergartners (p < 0.001 for both).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our data demonstrate diversities in physical activity and nutrition knowledge and preferences among low socio-economic status kindergarten children. These findings may be important for the development of health promotion programs in low socioeconomic kindergarten children.
authors.affiliation: Child Health and Sports Center, Pediatric Department, Meir Medical Center, Kfar-Saba, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel. Dan.nemet@clalit.org.il
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nemet
authors.forename: Deganit
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Geva
authors.forename: Yoav
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Meckel
authors.forename: Alon
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Eliakim
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004032:Diet; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005518:Food Preferences; D006262:Health; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011203:Poverty; D012737:Sex Factors; D012923:Social Class; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires