Evaluation of nutrition education involving chewing training for preschool children.

摘要

A Nutrition education programme for preschool children (4-5 years of age, n=44) involving chewing training with special chewing gum was carried out for 11 months. The levels of improved chewing ability and acquisition of knowledge about nutrition were evaluated after the test period. The children were asked to answer questions on foods in general and on the proper amount of chewing. The rate of correct answers was high for most of the questions. At the beginning of the training period, chewing ability showed a high correlation (p< 0.01) with the height and body weight of the children. After the 11 month programme, however, no significant correlation was found between them. No significant difference was found between the chewing ability of the nutrition education group and that of the control group at the beginning of the programme. After completing the programme, however, the chewing ability of the education group was significant better. A significant higher chewing ability was found among the children whose mothers had consciously chosen and fed their children with chewy foods after the weaning period.