| Popis: |
This study examined the nutrition-related knowledge and selected descriptive characteristics of aerobic dance instructors (ADIs). In the initial study phase, ADIs were surveyed in order to identify nutrition concepts pertinent to them. An instrument was then developed to measure nutrition knowledge in three domains (weight control, nutrient requirements, and nutrient sources) and to elicit descriptive information. Instruments were administered at workshops to 504 ADIs and mailed to a randomly selected, nationwide sample of 507 ADIs. Questionnaires returned by 409 of the workshop sample and 135 of the mail sample were analyzed. The two samples of respondents did not differ significantly with regard to several descriptive characteristics nor to mean scores on the nutrition test. The combined samples answered correctly an average of 59% of the items on the total test and 70%, 48%, and 50%, respectively, of the items on the Weight Control, Nutrient Requirements, and Sources of Nutrients subtests. Education level, formal education in nutrition, age, and status as a certified ADI were related positively to nutrition knowledge. Most respondents agreed that educational programs for ADIs should include a nutrition component, and many indicated a high level of interest in nutrition. These results suggest that many ADIs need and desire nutrition education. |
