CAN EDUCATION THROUGH POSTER IMPROVE THE KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF PRESCHOOLERS ABOUT HEALTHY LIFESTYLE? IHHP-HHPC

Abstract

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Lifelong behavior and risk factors of chronic diseases extend from early
life to adulthood. It seems that dietary habits and unhealthy food consumption, as well as
passive smoking play an important role in the development of such diseases. Multiple
studies have shown that healthy lifestyle education in preschool children improves their
knowledge, attitude and practice about healthy lifestyle. This study was conducted to
evaluate the effect of lifestyle education with educational posters in daycare centers on
preschool children.
METHODS: In an interventional study, 250 preschool children were selected via 2-stage
random cluster sampling and taught tips on healthy lifestyle via educational posters. Their
knowledge on healthy lifestyle was assessed before and after (1 week and 3 months)
education via a picture-questionnaire, and their practice and behavior were assessed before
and after education via their favorite choice of snack in daycare centers. Collected data
were analyzed using SPSS13 by paired t-test and Man Whitney test.
RESULTS: The knowledge and practice scores of the studied subjects improved
significantly one week after intervention compared with baseline, and persisted until the third
month after education.
DISCUSSION: Healthy lifestyle education via poster for preschool children can significantly
improve their knowledge and practice towards healthy lifestyle.

Keywords • Healthy life style • Education • Preschool children