Nutrition in school children is vital; and good eating habits support healthy growth and development. The Health Belief Model (HBM) is a theory used to determine the likelihood that a person will engage in disease prevention and health-promoting activities. Aim of the study to examine nutritional status as perceived by Health Belief Model among primary school children. Research design: A quasi experimental design was used. Setting: The study was conducted at three primary schools at Benha City and three schools at Beni-Suef City. Sample: Multistage random sample was applied for selection of students from the previous governorates and included 273students; 143 from Benha and 130 from Beni-Suef schools, Tools: Three tools were used I): An interviewing questionnaire sheet including three parts 1) Socio demographic data of school children 2) knowledge about nutrition as perceived by Health Belief Model. 3) Practices through asking questions about nutrition. II): Observational checklist for Medical health status of school age children. III) An anthropometric measurement as weight, height, body mass index. Results There were statistically significant differences related to nutritional problems between both groups of children in Benha and Beni-Suef schools. The mean score of children regarding Health Belief Model in Benha is slightly better than Beni-Suef. There are statistically significant differences between students in Beni-Suef and Benha city regarding all Health Belief Model items before and after the educational program (p |
