| The prevalence of childhood obesity in the United States is increasing among both boys and girls of all ages, races, and ethnic groups. The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of primary school age children in regards to nutrition and physical activity and the relationship to body mass index. The data were collected from 132 students, ages 8, 9, and 10-years-old, in three rural school districts in Delaware and Schoharie County, New York. A statistically significant relationship was found between attitudes regarding nutrition and physical activity and body mass index. There was also a statistically significant relationship between nutrition behavior and physical activity behavior, nutrition knowledge, and attitude. The results of this study suggested implications for nursing research, practice and education to gain a more comprehensive understanding of childhood obesity and the potential solutions to halting the epidemic. |
