Exploring the nutrition and lifestyle knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of student Home Economics teachers: a four year longitudinal study

Abstract

The link between dietary and lifestyle behaviours and the development of chronic diseases is well established. It is also widely acknowledged that obesity linked with insufficient exercise contributes to health problems and that, conversely, weight reducing diets may compromise dietary intake of key nutrients. It is often advocated that poor dietary and lifestyle practices should be tackled through education. One of the aims of the Irish Home Economics curriculum is to teach secondary school pupils about nutrition and lifestyle practices conducive to health. However, the lifestyle practices and attitudes of those teaching this subject in Ireland have never been examined.