(P30-056-24) Study Protocol – Knowledge and Perceptions Around Whole-Grain Consumption Among Children in Thailand

Objectives: Primary: To probe knowledge and perceptions of whole grains among students in 4- 6th grades in Thai elementary schools.

Secondary: To examine if knowledge and perceptions around whole grains are associated with subjects’ weight status.

Methods: This is a formative study to survey a sample of Thai elementary school students in Nakhon Pathom and Chiang Mai. Eligibility criteria are: 1) in grades 4 to 6, 2) can read and write Thai, 3) can complete a paper-based survey, 4) not in foster care or wards of the State, and 5) willingness to participate. Subjects who do not meet eligibility criteria, refuse to participate, or withdraw during the study will be excluded. Informed consent Parental permission and youth assent will be obtained before the data collection.

A paper-based survey based on the Reasoned Action Approach model will be used to explore subjects’ knowledge of whole grains and whole grain-based foods and their health benefits, past whole-grain consumption, feelings about whole grains, and perspectives on factors affecting whole grains consumption in schools. Questions in the survey are multiple-choice or open-ended. Subjects’ weight and height will be collected from schools’ records. 

Descriptive statistics will be used to show subjects' demography, anthropometry, and responses to multiple-choice questions. We will assess associations between subjects’ knowledge and perceptions of whole grains and their weight status, using unadjusted and adjusted (subjects’ demographics) regressions. Deductive analysis based on constructivist investigation assumption will be used for open-ended questions.

Results: N/A

Conclusions: This study will gain insights, from 4^th- to 6^th-grade students in 3 Thai elementary schools, on their knowledge and perceptions of whole grains, and their perspectives on factors that affect students’ whole-grain consumption in school settings. It aims to lay the ground for future research and advocacy in Thailand.

Funding Sources: The funding source is the discretionary funds from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Chiang Mai University.