INTERVENÇÃO EDUCATIVA PARA CRIANÇAS: PROPOSTA EFETIVA PARA ABORDAGEM DA ROTULAGEM NUTRICIONAL

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of an educational intervention on knowledge, attitudes, preference and perception of healthiness of food products among school-aged children, considering different types of nutrition labeling. METHODOLOGY: Sixty-six children participated in the three stages of the research: Pre-Intervention, filling out a questionnaire about knowledge, attitudes and health perception, considering different nutritional labels; Intervention, application of theoretical-practical educational action on topics related to packaging; general and nutritional labeling of foods, for a period of 7 weeks; and Post-Intervention, reapplication of the questionnaire applied in the Pre-Intervention. RESULTS: In general, the interventions increased (p<0.05) children's knowledge, attitude and perception of the healthiness of food products. There was no change in responses to the questions about attitudes that involved looking at the label and ingredient list and paying attention to the nutrients on the label. Also, there was no change in the children's knowledge regarding nutrients that are harmful to health and the understanding and importance of the presence of the list of ingredients. After the Intervention, the children increased their perception of nutritional information in the alert system, finding it “coolest”. The other labels were not influenced. CONCLUSION: Educational Interventions have a partial positive effect in increasing school-age children's learning about knowledge, attitudes and perceived healthiness of food products, considering different types of nutrition labeling. Thus, new studies are suggested that can contribute to the advancement of children's learning about nutrition labeling, which can impact on healthier food consumption throughout life.