Nutrition Knowledge in the U.S. Navy
Abstract
The purpose of this report was to provide a baseline assessment of the level of nutrition knowledge in the active-duty Navy. Questionnaires containing 40 true/false and several multiple choice nutrition items were mailed to a representative sample. Usable questionnaires were returned by 2,938 individuals (response rate 72.7%). Mean score on the 40 T/F items was 26.1 correct, or 65%. Nutrition knowledge was greater among older individuals, more highly educated individuals, Whites, officers, and women. Knowledge was weakest on the calories & food intake and carbohydrates scales and strongest on the vitamins & minerals and fiber scales. The Navy appeared roughly equivalent to the civilian sector in meeting selected national nutrition goals for 1990. It was recommended that the current nutrition education program be continued, but that program managers intensify efforts to reach low-scoring groups, place more emphasis on the role of complex carbohydrates in a healthy diet, Provide wide dissemination of guideline for utilizing nutritional labels on products, and develop a Navy-wide point of choice education intervention protocol for dining facilities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 31, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA232085
Entities
People
- Linda K. Trent
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center