Knowledge, attitudes, and behavior concerning nutrition and physical activity in Mexican children

Am J Health Behav. 2012 Mar;36(3):424-31. doi: 10.5993/AJHB.36.3.12.

Abstract

Objective: To identify the stages of behavior change and the knowledge, attitudes, and habits concerning nutrition and physical activity in Mexican children.

Methods: A survey was applied to 48 children from 10 years old to obtain data. Stages of behavior change were classified according to the transtheoretical model.

Results: For food habits, 31% were in precontemplation, 17% in contemplation, 10% in preparation, 40% in action, and 2% in maintenance. For physical activity, 12% were in precontemplation, 15% in contemplation, 29% in preparation, 42% in action, and 2% in maintenance.

Conclusions: It is important to consider the stages of behavior change to plan strategies of educational models.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child Nutrition Disorders / prevention & control*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Exercise*
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mexico
  • Risk Reduction Behavior
  • Surveys and Questionnaires