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D S Rhoads

Publications and source records attributed to D S Rhoads.

2 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1984

An assessment of the nutrition education of students in grades 3 to 12.

A proportionally stratified sample of Louisiana students was surveyed to determine their nutrition knowledge as influenced by selected variables. The 3,309 students in grades 3 to 12 were interviewed individually. A pretested questionnaire was used. Nutrition knowledge was assessed by a test of 15 selected nutrition concepts and the identification of the basic food groups needed daily. A majority of students judged the study of nutrition in school to be important. However, only 40.5% of the sample reported currently studying this science, with 15% studying it as a separate subject. Home and television were most frequently named as informal sources of nutrition information. The mean score on the test of nutrition concepts was 10.3. The number of subjects studied in which nutrition was included did not affect scores. A positive relationship existed between scores and grade division (3 to 6, 7 to 8, 9 to 12), correct identification of food groups needed daily, and number of sources and activities used to learn about nutrition. Thus, nutrition instruction which is varied, innovative, and includes student participation does improve knowledge of this science.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1982

Meal and snacking patterns of students.

A 1981 survey of 3,309 students in grades 3-12 enrolled in 135 Louisiana schools was used to determine their meal and snacking patterns. The data were analyzed according to three grade divisions: elementary, 3-6; junior high, 7-8; and senior high, 9-12. An analysis of variance was computed with grade division as the independent variable. Students' responses to questions concerning the consumption of meals, snacks and vitamin supplements, and tasting new, unfamiliar or disliked food were the dependent variables. A majority of students consumed three meals daily; however, breakfast was frequently skipped. Breakfast was usually eaten at home; 15% ate the school breakfast. Most students consumed the school lunch; many reported tasting new, unfamiliar or disliked food as part of these meals. Students snacked, most doing so in the afternoon. Students in grades 9-12 consumed significantly more snacks than their counterparts. Many snacks were purchased at school, primarily from a concession stand. Almost 50% took a vitamin supplement.

Adolescent↗