A study of how family characteristics influence primary school students’ nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practice

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between family characteristics and the nutritional KAP (knowledge, attitudes, and practices) of students, as well as the correlation between students' nutritional KAP and their nutritional status. Conducted as a cross-sectional study between September 2022 and January 2023, the research involved 146 primary school students aged 8-12 years and their parents from eight primary schools in Bogor City. The collected data included anthropometric measurements, nutritional KAP assessments, and socio-economic characteristics of the students' families. Most participants exhibited normal nutritional status, sufficient knowledge, good attitudes, and sufficient practice. A significant correlation was found between the mother’s education level and both students' nutritional knowledge (p = 0.027, r = 0.183) and attitudes (p = 0.008, r = 0.220). Additionally, a significant negative association was observed between family size and students’ nutritional practices (p = 0.036, r = -0.174), while parental attitudes showed a significant relationship with students’ nutritional attitudes (p = 0.016, r = 0.199). Among family-related factors, the mother’s education level was the only variable significantly linked to students' nutritional knowledge and attitudes. However, no significant correlation was found between students' nutritional KAP and their overall nutritional status.