Knowledge of students attending a high school in Pretoria, South Africa, on diet, nutrition and exercise
- Publication date
- Publisher
- Scielo
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to ascertain the knowledge of students on the composition of
a healthy diet, daily nutritional requirements and the importance of regular exercise.
Method: A cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire with closed and open-ended
questions to assess students’ knowledge on diet, nutrition and exercise was conducted. The study group
were students of Tswaing High School in Pretoria, South Africa, who were in attendance on a particular
day when the study was conducted and who consented to participate in the study. Only 500 students of
the school participated in the study.
Results: Results showed that 77% of the students do not have adequate knowledge on diet, nutrition and
exercise while 23% of the students showed satisfactory knowledge. Approximately 26% and 16% of the
students reported that they participated in rigorous and moderate exercise respectively. The study also
showed that the majority of the students were however not engaged in physical activities.
Conclusion: Students at Tswaing High School do not have adequate knowledge on nutrition, diet and
exercise. Their views on what exercise entails were found not to be satisfactory. Programmes/ information
or seminars that could assist to inform students on the importance of diet and exercise are
therefore suggested