Food safety education: a cross-border, comparative study of food risk perception in post-primary schools

• Project start date: 1 June 2004
• Project status: Completed
• Project type: Food safety
• Discipline: Microbiology and food hygiene
• Author/s: Dr Michael Strain, University of Ulster, Jordanstown
• Collaborator/s: Single supplier

Research objective

The objective of the project was to explore young people's perceptions of food risks, both qualitatively and quantitatively, and compare them with the views of key stakeholders, including educators, health promoters, food policy makers, and the food industry. The goal was to identify the information needs of young people regarding food safety. Ultimately, the project aimed to develop a model of food safety perceptions and information needs, which would inform curricular changes and management strategies, incorporating a diverse range of opinions, including those of young people themselves.

Outputs

Research report

• Title: Food safety education: a cross-border, comparative study of food risk perception in post-primary schools
• Date: 8 September 2007
• Summary: A 3-year longitudinal study of anthropometric, dietary and exercise parameters was carried out annually (2005 - 2007) in 3 Irish secondary schools.
• Findings:

  Anthropometric measurements were taken in each year and analysed longitudinally.

  • Overweight and obesity were at relatively low levels in these adolescents.
  • Height, weight, BMI, waist and hip circumferences and TST increased significantly over the 3 years.
  • Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) decreased significantly over time.
  • Boys were significantly taller than girls across the 3 years.

  A 3-day weighed food diary was used to assess food intake by the adolescents. Analysis of dietary intake data was determined using WISP©. Mean daily energy and nutrient intakes were reported. Mean daily energy and macronutrient intakes were analysed longitudinally.

  • The adolescents' diet was characterised by relatively high saturated fat intakes and insufficient fruit and vegetable consumption.
  • The dietary pattern did not change significantly over the 3 years.
  • Boys consumed more energy than girls over the study period.

  A validated questionnaire was used to assess physical activity and sedentary activity levels.

  • Boys were substantially more active and had higher energy expenditure estimates than girls throughout the study.
  • A significant longitudinal decrease in physical activity levels among the adolescents was observed.
  • Both genders spent more than the recommended amount of time (hrs/day) pursing sedentary activities.

  The dietary pattern in these Irish adolescents is relatively poor. Of additional concern is the overall longitudinal decrease in physical activity levels.

• Recommendations:

  Promoting consumption of a balanced diet and increased exercise levels among adolescents will help to reduce future public health care costs due to weight-related diseases.

Other outputs

PhD thesis is available on request and can be accessed through the University of Ulster.