Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Nutrition knowledge (NK) is a key modifiable factor influencing the dietary behavior and nutritional status of children. Currently, nationally representative data assessing NK among Chinese junior high school students are unavailable. This study aimed to assess NK levels using recent, nationally representative data from China. METHODS: A multistage stratified random cluster sampling method was used to select 28,629 junior high school students from 195 survey sites across 31 provincial-level administrative divisions in China. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire developed using rigorous scientific procedures. NK awareness rates were described as weighted prevalence rates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup comparisons were performed using the Rao-Scott chi-square test. RESULTS: The overall NK awareness rate among Chinese junior high school students was 40.0% (95% CI: 36.5%-43.5%). The rates for the five dimensions, dietary recommendations, nutrient content of foods, food and health, food choices, and food safety, were 20.1%, 46.2%, 65.3%, 65.2%, and 65.2%, respectively. The analysis revealed significant variations in overall and dimension-specific awareness rates across groups. Boys, students from rural and western regions, and students from families with lower socioeconomic status had poorer NK levels than their counterparts. Among the 10 knowledge points with the lowest correct rates, seven belonged to dietary recommendations, two to food safety, and one to food and health. CONCLUSION: NK awareness rates among junior high school students require improvement, especially regarding dietary recommendations, which remain a key component of students' nutrition education. Boys, students from rural and western regions, and students from families with lower socioeconomic status should be the key populations for NK dissemination in the future.