Judy K. Brun

Trends and challenges for nutrition education research

Abstract This paper presents developments and issues in nutrition education research since the Society for Nutrition Education was founded 25 years ago and, in doing so, sets directions for the future. Advances in the types of variables studied, increased sophistication in data collection, and analysis of issues affecting program delivery are discussed. Progress is illustrated by looking at four challenges for the field: 1) realistic educational goals, 2) thorough research designs, 3) explicit theoretical bases, and 4) valid and reliable measurement. Inadequate recognition of biases and assumptions, such as “individual blame” and “mother/wife blame,” are also discussed. Finally, the importance of a strong link between research and practice is emphasized.

A food intake assessment device for upper elementary school children

Abstract We designed a food intake assessment device to facilitate gathering objective data about food choices and the adequacy of the diets of children. The device consists of a card display of 40 foods and a pictorial representation of a day with which students indicate their typical food patterns. The back of each food card indicates the contribution that a serving of the food made to a food group. We conducted a field test with 532 third-grade to sixth-grade students from 12 schools in 6 states to determine validity, scoring accuracy, and usability with diverse groups. Overall, students selected foods that we considered typical of usual meal patterns in the United States, although total daily energy intake from the selected foods was somewhat lower than the RDAs for these age groups. Teacher-calculated scores agreed reasonably well with computer-calculated scores. This device that assesses food behavior rather than nutrition knowledge may be useful as part of the evaluation instrumentation for nutrition education programs in elementary schools.

The NATs--Nutrition Achievement Tests for the elementary grades

Abstract This paper describes the development and validation of 3 nutrition achievement tests for kindergarten through sixth grade. Test I was for kindergarten, first grade, and second grade; test II, for third and fourth grade; and test III, for fifth and sixth grade. Test developers constructed 2 prototypes of each test from items paired for content and verified for accuracy. A nationwide sample of 3,393 pupils who had previously received a minimum of 8 hours of nutrition education responded to the prototypes. Based on item-analysis data, the better items from each pair were selected for the final form of the nutrition achievement tests, which appear to be valid and reliable. The tests may be used to evaluate individual childrens achievement or to evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition education programs.

In-Home interviews measure positive effects of a school nutrition program

Abstract Using consumer research methods, we assessed behavior, attitudes, and knowledge of children in grades K-6 who were exposed or not exposed to a nutrition learning system in school. We conducted in-home interviews with 1,431 children and 812 mothers representing a range of geographic locations, socioeconomic strata, and racial groups. Statistical analysis of results revealed significant differences in favor of the test groups on key nutrition-related scores and indices. Children exposed to the nutrition education program reported greater consumption of a number of desirable foods and nutrients, expressed more positive attitudes toward consumption of fruits and vegetables, and displayed improved ability to apply nutrition knowledge in making food choices. These findings provide evidence that in-school nutrition education influences childrens reported food behaviors outside the classroom. The studies also demonstrate the feasibility of applying methodologies from other disciplines and the importance of broadening the scope of evaluation and nutrition education to settings beyond the school.

Nutrition education research: Past, present, and future

Abstract This article presents the rationale for an in-depth look at the field of nutrition education research as the Society for Nutrition Education celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary. Four conclusions about the current status of the field of nutrition education research are made and a cohesive introduction to the other seven articles in the issue is provided.

An Inventory for Assessing Food Behaviors of Elementary School Children

Abstract This report describes the development, field testing, and summary statistics of a series of inventories designed to assess the food behaviors of elementary school students, grades 1 to 6. The content is that found in elementary school food and nutrition curriculum guides and focuses upon personal cleanliness, personal safety, and food quality. Students respond to cartoon items by selecting 1 of 3 responses to indicate their typical behavior. From results of a national field test with 1,673 students in 75 classrooms, we developed equivalent forms of the inventory. These inventories may serve as a valid and reliable part of a battery of instruments for evaluation of nutrition education programs.