title: Nutrition education practices of primary school teachers in a resource-constrained community in Gauteng, South Africa.
abstract: We investigated the nutrition education (NE) practices of teachers of grade 4‒7 learners in 11 primary schools (85% of total number) of the Bronkhorstspruit district (Gauteng Province) to identify opportunities for improving NE in these schools. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out among a convenient sample of the teachers (N = 73) using a structured nutrition education practice questionnaire. Descriptive data analysis was done. Results showed that the majority of the teachers taught nutrition in about 10% to 20% of their teaching time. Thirty percent had no training to teach nutrition, and most teachers (86%) would like to receive training in nutrition. Teachers mostly taught nutrition as part of the curriculum (67%) and very few (18%) integrated nutrition into other subjects. Needing improvement were adequate classroom time for nutrition education delivery, continuing training in nutrition for teachers, and provision of up-to-date instructional materials for teaching nutrition.
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Human Nutrition , University of Pretoria , Pretoria , South Africa.
authors.forename: Mojisola D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Kupolati
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Human Nutrition , University of Pretoria , Pretoria , South Africa.
authors.forename: Gerda J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Gericke
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Human Nutrition , University of Pretoria , Pretoria , South Africa.
authors.forename: Una E
authors.initials: UE
authors.lastname: MacIntyre
authors.affiliation: b Faculty of Education, Department of Educational Psychology , University of Pretoria , Pretoria , South Africa.
authors.forename: Ronel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ferreira
authors.affiliation: c Faculty of Education, Department of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education , University of Pretoria , Pretoria , South Africa.
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Fraser
authors.affiliation: d Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Human Physiology , University of Pretoria , Pretoria , South Africa.
authors.forename: Peet
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Du Toit
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003479:Curriculum; D000072001:Diet, Healthy; D005260:Female; D000070497:Healthy Lifestyle; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000193:education*; D011204:Poverty Areas; D011361:Professional Competence; D011364:Professional Practice; D000070777:School Teachers; D012574:Schools; D057566:Self Report; D013019:South Africa; D013383:Suburban Population; D000070260:Teacher Training; D013664:Teaching Materials; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: Learners’ health; nutrition education; nutrition education practices; nutrition instructional materials; nutrition teaching time; nutrition training