Nutrition Knowledge of Honduran Caretakers and Dietary Change of Their Children

Abstract

A mixed method study pretest and posttest research design was used in this study similar to those used by the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and Women, Infants and Children (WIC). An individual interview method was used to gather the qualitative data. The study was conducted using 26 caretakers and 31 children. No significant change in knowledge in the caretakers was observed across all lessons. A significant gain in knowledge was observed only in the nutrition lesson "Fruits and Vegetables". A significant change in household dietary habits was seen when comparing dietary pretest and posttest score in the caretakers. A correlation of 0.33 was observed between dietary posttest scores between caretakers and children. A significant correlation (r2 0.50) was observed between the posttest (1) in caretakers from the nutrition lessons and dietary posttest taken by the caretakers. The need for a social worker, further education and more financial resources were some of the major themes identified by the qualitative component. Self sufficiency, increased evangelism and more trade classes were identified as the future goals of the nutrition program. This study showed that providing nutrition education in the caretakers can have a positive impact on the dietary choices within the household and can be a vital tool to targeting the issues of malnutrition in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.