Nutrition knowledge, attitude and practices among urban primary school children in Nairobi City, Kenya: a KAP study

Abstract

Poor dietary practices are major contributors to the development of chronic non-communicable diseases [1, 2]. Kenya is a sub-Saharan country undergoing rapid urbanization resulting in changing lifestyles and dietary habits; the so-called nutrition transition [3, 4]. Most chronic diseases in adulthood originate from dietary practices which are mainly formed during childhood [5-7]. In order to promote healthier eating habits, nutrition knowledge is believed to be important [8]. However, nutrition knowledge alone may not be sufficient to change dietary habits hence in addition there is need to mold a positive attitude toward healthy eating early in childhood [9-11]. With the current change in dietary habits to the western diet and increase in televised food advertisements targeting children, there is even greater need to empower children with the right knowledge and attitudes for making proper food choices [12]. School age children spend more time away from their parents thus, influence from friends and media further affect the formation and stabilization of their dietary practices [13, 14].