U.S. Dietary and physical activity guideline knowledge and corresponding behaviors among 4th and 5th grade students: A multi-site pilot study

Knowledge of U.S. dietary and physical activity recommendations and corresponding behaviors were surveyed among 4th and 5th graders in five Arizona counties to determine the need for related education in SNAP-Ed eligible schools. A <70% target response rate was the criterion. Participants correctly identified recommendations for: fruit, 20%; vegetables, 19%; whole grains, 23%; and physical activity, 37% of the time. Fruit, vegetable, whole grain, and physical activity recommended behaviors were met by 23%, 37%, 30%, and 64%, respectively. Knowledge and behavior were associated only for fruit. These data confirmed the necessity for nutrition and physical activity education in this population.