The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of health education program, related to the identification of healthy and unhealthy nutritional habits, physical activities and hygiene in children 4-5 years of age.
Method and material: 125 children participated in an education program for a period of two months. For data collection, a specialized protocol was constructed with pictures in order to evaluate the children’s knowledge about healthy behavior before and after the implementation of the education program.
Results: The results of the present study showed that after the implementation of the program the scores were higher in identifying healthy and unhealthy nutritional habits and physical activities compared to the scores before the program, with statistical significant difference, p=<0,001. In regard to the place of residence, children from downgraded areas presented higher performance than children from privileged areas in identifying healthy and unhealthy physical activities and hygiene, with statistical significant difference, p=<0,005.
Conclusions: From the results of the present study it becomes obvious that taking up habits of healthy nutrition, exercise and hygiene constitutes the main requirement for the child’s healthy development and a guarantee for a healthy adulthood. Despite the limitations of research ours findings suggests that health education programs based on motor activities and games can be succesful for teaching healthy habits to preschoolers.
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This study was funded by a research grant from the Greek Ministry of Education and the European Union, E.P.E.A.E.K., Action 2.2.3, (Code 87301), Dept. of Early Childhood Care & Education, ATEI Thessaloniki. Research Group of Archimedes Project: Christina Megalonidou, Katerina Tzolia, Elizana Polatou, Efthimios Kioumourtzoglou, Elisavet Konstantinidou, Ioannis Papastathis, Chrisoula Melissa-Halikiopoulou
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Greek Ministry of Education and the European Union, E.P.E.A.E.K.
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Health Science Journal
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