Knowledge, Attitude, and Rejecting Use Behavior of Trans-Fatty Acid Among Children

Purpose:

Health damage due to trans-fatty acid (TFA) is an important issue around the world, however there is a relatively few studies to explore TFA, particularly for children. The main purpose of this study consisted of investigating children’s rejecting TFA use behavior as well as identifying influencing factors and predictors of the behavior.

Methods:

A cross-sectional research design was conducted to 1086 children studying in the fifth and sixth grader in Taiwan (562 male occupied 51.75%; 524 female occupied 48.25%). A questionnaire was used to collect data.

Results:

The main finding indicated that the mean score on a ’knowledge’ questionnaire was 11.00; total score ranging from 0 to 23; SD = 5.26). Gender comparison indicating that female’s knowledge was significantly higher than male (t = -2.39, P = 0.017). For attitudes, a mild tendency of passive attitude was found in this study (Mean ± SD = 48.81 ± 9.70; total score was 100). Gender comparison indicating that male’s attitude was significantly more positive than female (t = 4.11, P = 0.001). For rejecting TFA use behavior, a moderate level of behavior was revealed by this study (the mean score was 90.68 out of a possible score of 145; SD = 26.15), however, no gender difference was found between two genders. Regarding the relevant factors, a multiple stepwise regression analysis on rejecting TFA use behavior indicating four variables (including attitude, knowledge, grade, and gender) could be singled out as significant predictors and accounted for 24.6% of the variance.

Conclusion:

Based on this study, we emphasize that education and health administrators and health professionals should actively provide broader health educational programs and health services regarding TFA use to children in Taiwan, not only improving knowledge and behavior but also building a correct and active attitude.