Evaluation of Nutrition Knowledge Level of Primary School Teachers in a Province in the Central Anatolian Region of Türkiye: A Cross-Sectional Research

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the nutritional knowledge (NK) level of teachers and the factors associated with it. Material and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the 2022-2023 academic year among primary school teachers and school counsellors working in a city in the Central Anatolian region of Türkiye. The dependent variable is NK level and the independent variables are sociodemographic factors, Food Choice Test (FCT) and Chew Health Literacy Scale (CHLS). Chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman correlation test were used for data analysis. Results: The mean age of 578 teachers was 44.25 (7.77) years and 72.5% of them were female. Among the teachers, 10.7% had inadequate, 18.5% had low, 42.8% had moderate and 28.0% had high level of NK. High levels of NK were significantly more prevalent among females than males. According to the FCT, the 3 most important factors affecting food choice were natural content, health, and sensory properties, with ethical concerns being the least important determinant. A weak positive correlation was found between the FCT and natural, health content and CHLS. Conclusion: One in 4 teachers was found to have inadequate or low levels of NK. To improve teachers' NK, it would be beneficial to address the sub-fields to food choices, such as natural ingredients, health, and health literacy.