| dc.description.abstract | Women are viewed as the gatekeepers of the food channel to the family (Lewin, 1940).
Various external factors such as the availability of food and socio-cultural factors as well as
internal factors such as knowledge and attitude influence a woman's food choice. Nutrition
education may improve her knowledge and attitude, which may lead to improved eating
habits in the family .
ln this study the impact of the Food and Nutrition section of the Women's Outreach
Foundation 10 Programme (WOF 10 Programme) is evaluated summatively, according to a
transcultural research approach. Changes in knowledge (tested as knowledge retention) and
attitude are measured in four research groups. A 22 item Likert type knowledge test was
developed and standardised with acceptable metric characteristics. The knowledge test had
a degree of difficulty of 0,5; Cronbach a reliability of 0,72 and a unidimensionality (REP)
of 0 ,95 . A 53 item attitude scale was similarly developed and standardised with a Cronbach
a reliability of 0 ,86 and a unidimensionality (REP) of 0,90. The knowledge test and
attitude scale were devided into three sections , healthy food, healthy eating habits and
correct preparation and handling of food. The research groups consisted mainly of Tswana
women from the Potchefstoom area and ranged in educational level from standard 6 to
standard 10. The knowledge (tested as knowledge retention) and attitude of the three
groups of Tswana women taking part in the WOF 10 Programme were tested prior to the
presentation of the Food and Nutrition section and again three to five weeks afterwards. A
control group who did not take part in the WOF 10 Programme were also tested. The
knowledge levels of two of the four research groups showed no statistically meaningful
change. These two groups also showed no statistically meaningful improvement in attitude.
Statistically meaningful improvements in knowledge and attitude were found in the third
experimental group. Various reasons are given as possible explanations for these findings.
The way in which the programme was presented, as well as external factors , such as the
socio-economic situation of the respondents , and internal factors such as existing knowledge
and development levels, could have influenced the impact of the programme. Meaningful
changes in the knowledge and attitude of the control group were found. The reason for this
may be the reactivity of the respondents caused by sensitisation to nutrition knowledge
during the interviews. Recommendations are made regarding the development of a
knowledge test and an attitude scale and regarding the planning and presentation of a
nutrition education programme. | en_US |
