Effectiveness of an Innovative Sensory Approach to Improve Children’s Nutritional Choices

• Main Authors: Domenico Meleleo, Giovanna Susca, Valentina Andrulli Buccheri, Giovanna Lamanna, Liliana Cassano, Valeria De Chirico, Sergio Mustica, Margherita Caroli, Nicola Bartolomeo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-06-01
• Series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Subjects: prevention; eating habits; nutrition education; public health; nutrition-conscious knowledge
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/12/6462

A case-control study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of the Edueat^® Method, through experiential workshops focused on the use of all 5 senses. In two different primary schools in the same city, questionnaires were administered in two months with a follow-up one year later. Participants: 119 children (age 8.2–9.0) chosen randomly; control group 66 (55.5%). Seven lessons of 2 h each were held in the schools by experts of the Edueat^® method and seven extra lessons by the teachers. The main outcome measures were the children’s changes in their approach and attitude towards their eating habits. The answers were grouped with factor analysis and summarized through scores. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was conducted in order to identify the relationships between scores and treatment over time. At the end of treatment, the intervention group showed a significant appreciation towards healthy foods (+4.15 vs. −0.05, <i>p</i> = 0.02) and a greater capacity in identifying foods which are very good for the health (+15.6 vs. +14.4, <i>p</i> = 0.02). In conclusion, the Edueat^® method was found to be particularly promising in transmitting knowledge of those foods which are healthy. Greater involvement of teachers and parents is crucial.