Nutrition Knowledge Of Home Economics Teachers And School- Caterers In Kenyan Secondary Schools

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to assess the basic nutrition knowledge of Home Economics teachers and school­ caterers in Kenyan secondary schools in the Central Province. Research findings on nutrition and health in Kenya indicate there is a need to intensify nutrition education. About one-half of the Kenyan population is under the age of 20 years, and most of them will pass through the formal education system. The educators in the schools could be the appropriate agents to promote nutrition education through the primary health care approach, arrd reach the majority of the population in the 90's and beyond. The primary health care approach is preventive in nature and involves enabling individuals to broaden their understanding of their living conditions and to develop skills to solve problems, make decisions, and improve the quality of their lives. The information required was collected by means of questionnaires and interviews completed by the Home Economics teachers and School-caterers in 39 schools between September and November, 19.91. The response rate was 97.9% from the Home Economics teachers and 100% from the school­ caterers. The results show that the basic nutrition knowledge of the majority of the respondents was acceptable. There was ii no significant difference between the knowledge levels of the teachers and the caterers. The certificate level of the teachers did not influence their basic nutrition knowledge. The majority of the respondents had little professional development beyond their degrees and certificates and expressed a need for programs that could be used to provide current nutrition information. In addition, some of the resource materials used by the Home Economics teachers in the classrooms were outdated and/or not relevant to the need of the Kenyan population. Most of the resources did not address the application of nutrition knowledge in the Kenyan context which is an essential component of any successful nutrition education program. The author made a number of recommendations to improve nutrition education in Kenyan secondary schools