New Jersey school nurses' perceptions of school-based, prenatal nutrition education

Author(s): Hymans, J. K.

Journal/Book: J Sch Health. 1997; 67: PO Box 708, Kent, OH 44240. Amer School Health Assoc. 62-67.

Abstract: This study used formative evaluation to identify channels and barriers to providing ongoing dietary guidance to pregnant teens in New Jersey. In phase one, 14 health and social service professionals participated in a focus group or interview about nutrition services for pregnant teens. Participants identified school nurses as potential providers of early and continuous dietary counseling to pregnant teen-agers, but delineated barriers to establishment and effectiveness of school-based, prenatal nutrition education. In phase two, school nurses were surveyed to assess their interest in, and perceptions of barriers to, providing nutrition education to pregnant adolescents. Two-hundred fifty-three nurses (71%) returned completed questionnaires. Results indicated that a significant proportion perceived a need for, and were interested in providing, nutrition education to pregnant students. Results from this formative research ore being used to guide development of a school-based nutrition education program for pregnant teen-agers in New Jersey.

Note: Article Janas BG, Rutgers State Univ, Dept Nutr Sci, New Brunswick,NJ 08903 USA

Keyword(s): PREGNANT ADOLESCENTS; WEIGHT-GAIN; DIETARY-INTAKE; BIRTH-WEIGHT; TEENAGERS; OUTCOMES; CARE

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