A Survey of Texas Secondary Home Economics Teachers to Determine Nutrition Knowledge and Attitude

Abstract All home economics teachers in secondary schools in Texas formed the target population from which a random sample of 400 were selected to receive a survey instrument designed to determine nutrition knowledge and attitude. Teachers in the sample were mailed a packet containing the research instruments and a cover letter explaining the purpose of the research, soliciting participation, and guaranteeing anonymity of respondents. A previously validated Nutrition Knowledge Test (NKT), consisting of 50 multiple choice questions, and Nutrition Attitude Scale (NAS), consisting of 25 opinion questions, were utilized. Demographic information was also requested. Data was analyzed using SPSSX. Of the 400 questionnaires mailed to Texas secondary home economics teachers, 124 were returned (31 %). The average score on the NKT was 84 ± 0.35 (mean ± SE). No question was correctly answered by 100% of the respondents. One question was correctly answered by 99% of the respondents, and eight questions were correctly answered by 98% of the teachers. These questions concerned knowledge of healthy food choices and nutrient functions. The most frequently missed question concerned identification of food considered as low quality protein as opposed to high quality protein foods. Only 14% of the respondents chose the correct answer. Other questions frequently missed regarded diet and exercise and nutrition throughout the life cycle. The average score on the NAS was 105 out of 125, indicating a "highly favorable" attitude toward nutrition. No significant association was observed between the NKT and NAS scores. Fifty-eight teachers (55%) reported taking less than three undergraduate nutrition courses; although, neither nutrition knowledge or attitude were significantly correlated with the number of nutrition courses taken. In addition, no significant correlations were found between nutrition knowledge or attitude and number of years teaching or school size. Seventy-five teachers (63%) reported possessing a Bachelor's Degree in a home economics-related discipline. Thirty-seven (31%) respondents reported possessing a Master's Degree. No significant correlation was found between level of education and nutrition knowledge or attitude. Ninety-one percent of the respondents listed the "Registered Dietitian" as an accurate provider of nutrition information. "Physicians" and "Nurses" were each chosen by fifty percent of the respondents as accurate providers of nutrition information. Results of this study indicate that home economics teachers in Texas would be receptive to further training because of their high positive NAS score. Results also indicate that home economics teachers in Texas may benefit from additional knowledge/training regarding sources of high quality protein foods, the role of exercise in wellness, and nutrition throughout the life cycle. Results suggest that the Registered Dietitian would be identified by this population as the most accurate provider of the nutrition information conveyed through in-service education workshops. This information may be valuable to school administrators and consultants who are responsible for planning future in-service workshops.