The development and evaluation of a nutrition-education programme in primary schools in Kuwait

The purpose of this study was to develop, implement and evaluate a nutrition education programme for Kuwaiti primary school pupils, aimed at developing a positive nutritional adjustment. Information about the present status of nutrition and nutrition education in Kuwait was obtained from preliminary surveys conducted in ten different primary schools in five districts in Kuwait which involved 400 pupils, 159 teachers and 149 parents. In addition information was obtained by interview with 4 nutritionists and content analysis of the primary school curriculum. The programme consisted of eleven lessons printed in two booklets, teacher's guide and pupil's guide which contains coloured drawings. Pilot testing of the teaching programme was carried out in two schools in the city district to ascertain the appropriateness of the materials and the data collecting instruments used for the evaluation of the main empirical study. The main study group included 320 pupils in primary schools, 12 science teachers and 188 parents selected by random stratification from 6 schools in Kuwait. Data collecting was by a triangulation approach which included pre- and post-tests (including attitude tests), classroom observation using a teacher observation schedule and pupil observation schedule and end of course evaluation by teachers and parents using structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis of data obtained was carried out using the SPSS/PC+ computer programme. The major findings of this study indicated that: (i) The experimental programme was significantly effective in increasing the pupil's knowledge regarding food and nutrition. (ii) The experimental programme was significantly effective in producing favourable attitudes towards food and nutrition in the pupils. (iii) The experimental programme had similar influences on second grade pupils and third grade pupils. (iv) The experimental programme had similar influences on male and female pupils. (v) There was considerable variation in pupil's overall achievement in different schools.