An exploratory investigation of individual and schoollevel determinants for effective nutrition education in primary school in N’Djamena, Chad

Abstract

Background. Malnutrition is a serious public health problem in Chad, with prevalence increasing over the years.
Most eating habits are formed early in life, with beliefs and tacit knowledge directing eating behaviors. School
nutrition education can effectively improve nutrition skill if related social determinants are understood. This
study investigated factors for effective school nutrition education in N’Djamena, Chad. Methods. A total of 73
children (girls and boys, age 9-13) were stimulated with a nutrition education initiative in two schools in
N’Djamena. The nutrition education focused on food groups and their importance, food hygiene, and general
rules for a balanced diet based on local foods. Results. Socioeconomic and sociocultural factors affected
nutrition education. Girls were more proficient than boys, probably due to the role they generally have in
dealing with family eating. Results confirmed the children’s developmental stages related to nutrition, and
showed the significant impact a nutrition intervention can have on the nutritional skills of Chadian children.
Conclusion. Formative research is needed to design school nutrition education programmes in Chad, where
limited studies have been conducted so far.