Nutrition knowledge of caregivers working in health and education centers for children with special healthcare needs

Abstract

Background: Children with special healthcare needs are recognized as a high-risk group for malnutrition. Caregivers have a strong influence on the dietary habits of their students, therefore, adequate nutrition knowledge among caregivers and educators has a great potential in improving the health of children. The purpose of this study is to assess the level of nutrition knowledge and demographic influences of knowledge among caregivers working in health and education centers. Methods: a cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted among educators and caregivers working at Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services to assess their nutritional knowledge using a modified validated general nutrition knowledge questionnaire. Results: 233 participants completed the survey. The basic recommendations about reducing the intake of sugary, salty, and fatty foods and consuming more water and vegetables were best acknowledged. However, an inadequate level of knowledge was identified regarding specified number portion. For instance, more than half of the participants were aware of the need to consume more vegetables and fruits while only 10% knew the minimum number of servings to consume in a day. The overall nutrition knowledge score was adequate at 46.30 (55.1%). Caregivers with nutrition qualifications and who have four children had a significantly higher knowledge score. Older age was associated with better diet-disease relationship knowledge. Conclusions: The level of nutrition knowledge among caregivers and health workers was insufficient. However, periodic nutrition education reinforcement among health caregivers should be considered.

Healthy eating perceptions of mothers and caregivers of children in South Africa

“…In Bangladesh, a study done by Hossain et al ( 2019 ) reported that the majority of caregivers had a low perception of the importance of eating a variety of foods. However, this was in contrast to an Arabian study done by Ismail et al ( 2022 ), which reported that caregivers were knowledgeable about the importance of consuming fruits and vegetables daily, which is good for health. However, this knowledge may not necessarily translate to positive behaviour of offering children a variety of foods that would provide vitamins and minerals.…”

“…Similarly, in China, according to the study done by Shao et al ( 2022 ), caregivers were aware that poor diets can lead to overweight and obesity, while in Bangladesh, a study done by Rahman et al ( 2016 ) reported that caregivers perceived that healthy foods do not taste as good as unhealthy foods. The Arabian study done by Ismail et al ( 2022 ) reported that caregivers indicated that foods that are low in fibre can cause health issues and can lead to diseases. An Ethiopian study done by Gebru et al ( 2022 ) and a Nepal study done by Sharma et al ( 2018 ) reported that caregivers perceived that healthy eating has benefits of contributing to good health and improved long-term consequences.…”

“…Perceptions regarding food intakes may differ in different countries. A United Arab Emirates study done by Ismail et al ( 2022 ) indicated that mothers or caregivers perceived that consuming fruits and vegetables daily is important for maintaining good health; however, they indicated that starchy foods should be consumed less. Differently, a South African study done by Chakona ( 2020 ) reported that mothers and caregivers perceived that starchy foods should be consumed in most meals, whereas the Zimbabwean National Survey Report ( 2018 ) indicated that the majority of caregivers perceived that healthy diets comprise mainly of vegetables as well as starchy foods.…”

“…Additionally, Arabian caregivers were aware that consuming foods that are low in fibre can contribute to health problems (Ismail et al 2022 ), while a study in the United States done by Fisher et al ( 2015 ) reported that mothers and caregivers did not consider the nutritional value of foods given to their children and families. Furthermore, a South African study done by Besselink et al ( 2020 ) reported that caregivers were knowledgeable about the consequences of eating unhealthy foods.…”

Vitamin A-related nutrition knowledge gaps and predictors among caregivers of preschool children in Eastern Uganda: a cross-sectional study

“…The senior caregivers have possibly had 3–10 more rounds of pre-school child-care experience than the junior ones. It’s argued that accumulated experiences increase particular knowledge [ 40 ]. Accordingly, older caregivers are wont to possess greater knowledge than their juniors due to their longer participation in, for example, the national twice-yearly VAS programme, interaction with the healthcare system/professionals and peers, and self-discovery through the child-feeding chores.…”