Competences acquired at school age and their role in formation of food behavior in young people

Abstract

Objective: We studied the knowledge of young people about principles of healthy nutrition as one of the main elements of health preservation and following these principles by them after finishing school. Methods: We performed a sociological survey of 284 people (boys and girls), mainly 17-18 years of age, who entered higher educational institutions of Ukraine after finishing school. The survey concerned with the study of youth’s knowledge about principles of a healthy nutrition as one of the main elements of a healthy lifestyle. We studied a self-concept of one’s own lifestyle and health control, knowledge of the role of adherence to the principles of healthy nutrition in health preservation, some aspects of food behavior, impact of nutrition features on the formation of chronic non-infectious pathology. We used the questionnaire method. The results were processed with the help of generally accepted statistical methods. Results: Despite the declared knowledge, a sufficiently significant part of the respondents was found not to follow the principles of healthy nutrition and lifestyle. Conclusion: The findings indicate a need to develop special educational programs on the formation of the skills of healthy lifestyle and nutrition for schoolchildren of general education institutions in order to develop their skills for the healthy lifestyle and nutrition.