"Our findings are important in understanding how to help adolescents develop lifelong healthy eating habits," states author, Dr. JoAnn Long. The study reviewed two curricula, a traditional and an intervention, as they were implemented in separate junior high schools. Results showed that students responded significantly better to computer-based teaching involving interactive, exploratory, and fun modules, versus conventional delivery of nutritional information embedded in health, science and home economics courses. The popularity of technology-based activities, like video games and internet use, was key in appealing to the social and developmental preferences of the youth in this study.
After one month of instruction, questionnaires were administered to assess dietary knowledge, actual decision-making in eating habits and the potential for sustained positive eating behavior. Participants in the web-based intervention group had "higher self-efficacy for healthy eating, more dietary knowledge and healthier usual food choice scores than did those in the comparison group."
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About the Author
Dr. JoAnn Long has been involved with research in the field of adolescent health promotion, healthy eating and Diabetes prevention for the past nine years. She is a Registered Nurse and received her Ph.D. from the University of Texas, San Antonio in 2000. Dr. Long is available for questions and interviews and can be reached at 806-720-7678 or joann.long@lcu.edu.
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Blackwell Publishing publishes the Journal of Nursing Scholarship in partnership with the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International. This widely read and respected journal features peer-reviewed, thought-provoking articles representing research by some of the world's leading nurse researchers. Reaching health professionals, faculty and students in 90 countries, the Journal of Nursing Scholarship is focused on health of people throughout the world. It is the official journal of Sigma Theta Tau International and it reflects the society's dedication to providing the tools necessary to improve nursing care around the world.
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Journal of Nursing Scholarship