Improving preschool nutrition: addressing knowledge and practice gaps among nursery staff in Amman, Jordan

TL;DR

This study examines the nutritional knowledge and practices of nursery staff in Amman, Jordan, to identify areas needing improvement for better preschool nutrition.

Contribution

The study provides insights into the current nutritional knowledge and practices of nursery staff in Jordan, highlighting the need for training.

Findings

Approximately 53.2% of nursery staff showed high nutritional knowledge.

About 50% of nursery staff had excellent dietary behaviors.

Training is needed to improve the nutrition practices of nursery staff.

Abstract

Preschoolers attending nurseries typically spend a significant period of their day in nurseries, where they consume approximately half or more of their daily meals under the supervision of nursery staff. As the primary caregivers during this time, nursery staff play a vital role in forming children’s eating habits and influencing their nutritional intake. Thus, assessing the nutritional knowledge and practices of nursery staff is essential.

To assess the nutritional knowledge and practices of nursery staff members.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among nursery staff. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the nutritional knowledge and practices of the nursery staff members.

A total of 53.2% of the nursery staff exhibited high levels of nutritional knowledge, whereas 3.2% showed low nutritional understanding. Additionally, approximately 50% of the nursery staff displayed excellent dietary behaviors, while 6.4% showed inadequate standards.

Nursery staff possess preliminary nutrition knowledge but need guidance and training sessions in nutrition that may enhance their essential role in improving preschoolers’ nutritional status and health.