The Impact of Nutrition Training Programs on Knowledge, Confidence, and Behavioral Intention among School Nutrition Professionals
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| Title: | The Impact of Nutrition Training Programs on Knowledge, Confidence, and Behavioral Intention among School Nutrition Professionals |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Wenhao Zhang (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of School Health. 2025 95(11):924-932. |
| Availability: | Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 9 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | US Department of Agriculture (USDA) |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Nutrition Instruction, Rural Schools, School Personnel, Self Efficacy, Knowledge Level, Cooking Instruction, Capacity Building |
| DOI: | 10.1111/josh.70058 |
| ISSN: | 0022-4391 1746-1561 |
| Abstract: | Background: U.S. Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Programs provide essential nutrition supporting student health and academic outcomes. Rural school nutrition professionals (SNPs) face challenges such as staff shortages, limited resources, and inadequate training. This study evaluates a flexible training program tailored to address these issues. Methods: Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior and Lippitt-Knoster model, an observational cohort study design with pre- and post-training evaluations measured SNPs' knowledge, confidence, and behavioral intention. Participants completed 40-h director or 8-h staff training delivered through live virtual, asynchronous virtual, and in-person formats. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U tests, and three-way cross-tabulations. Results: Participants demonstrated significant improvements in confidence levels and knowledge of both school nutrition basics and culinary skills. High behavioral intentions toward desirable practices were observed among participants. Flexible delivery formats enhanced participation and satisfaction, with virtual options especially beneficial for rural settings. Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity: Flexible, theory-based training models addressing rural SNPs' specific needs improve school meal quality, staff retention, and equitable access to nutrition education. Conclusions: Tailored training programs incorporating diverse methods and incentives strengthen rural SNP capacity, enhancing health outcomes for students. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1486917 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Background: U.S. Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Programs provide essential nutrition supporting student health and academic outcomes. Rural school nutrition professionals (SNPs) face challenges such as staff shortages, limited resources, and inadequate training. This study evaluates a flexible training program tailored to address these issues. Methods: Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior and Lippitt-Knoster model, an observational cohort study design with pre- and post-training evaluations measured SNPs' knowledge, confidence, and behavioral intention. Participants completed 40-h director or 8-h staff training delivered through live virtual, asynchronous virtual, and in-person formats. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U tests, and three-way cross-tabulations. Results: Participants demonstrated significant improvements in confidence levels and knowledge of both school nutrition basics and culinary skills. High behavioral intentions toward desirable practices were observed among participants. Flexible delivery formats enhanced participation and satisfaction, with virtual options especially beneficial for rural settings. Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity: Flexible, theory-based training models addressing rural SNPs' specific needs improve school meal quality, staff retention, and equitable access to nutrition education. Conclusions: Tailored training programs incorporating diverse methods and incentives strengthen rural SNP capacity, enhancing health outcomes for students. |
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| ISSN: | 0022-4391 1746-1561 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/josh.70058 |
