ERIC Number: EJ1221504
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Aug
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0017-8969
EISSN: N/A
The Effectiveness of a Computer-Based Method to Support Eating Intervention among Economically Disadvantaged Children in Malaysia
Shukri, Madihah; Zin, Zamzahaila; Zainol, Khairi; Said, Syahrin; Rajali, Afiq
Health Education Journal, v78 n5 p497-509 Aug 2019
Aims and objectives: This article presents findings from a dietary intervention designed to improve the nutritional knowledge, attitudes, intentions and dietary intake of socially disadvantaged children. Design: Quasi-experimental design. Methods: A total of 201 (treatment group n = 106, control n = 95) children completed the questionnaire at pre- and post-test. Data from 99 participants from the treatment group were included at 12-month follow-up. The treatment group received a dual intervention of computer-based and traditional methods for 3 consecutive weeks. Results: The findings show no significant differences in scores of dietary knowledge and intentions between pre- and post-measures in both treatment and control groups. At post-test, however, the treatment group reported a better knowledge score, a significantly higher intention to limit unhealthy food and a more negative attitude towards less healthy food than the control group. The results of the short-term evaluation suggest that only the treatment group showed a significant reduction in unhealthy food consumption and a significant increase in vegetable intake. Nevertheless, at follow-up, these effects were not sustained. Prospectively, however, we found a predictive effect of dietary knowledge and intentions on food intake at follow-up. Conclusion: Given the relatively short-term effects achieved by the intervention, it remains crucial to understand the aspects of short-term interventions that may lead to longer term effects, as well as the mechanisms underlying dietary intake among this group of children.
Descriptors: Instructional Effectiveness, Computer Assisted Instruction, Eating Habits, Intervention, Economically Disadvantaged, Foreign Countries, Health Behavior, Nutrition Instruction, Dietetics, Knowledge Level, Scores, Intention, Children, Outcomes of Education
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Malaysia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A