Preschoolers' knowledge of health and healthy behaviors

Abstract

Children's knowledge and thoughts about health can influence their adult health behaviors, because behaviors learned in childhood are frequently carried throughout life. The purpose of this study was to explore preschoolers' knowledge of health. Twenty preschool children were interviewed using Flaherty's (1986) Preschool Health Picture Interview (PHPI). Data analyzed by t-tests revealed the age of the child to be a significant factor in the childs knowledge of health. The findings of this study suggest that preschoolers recognize pictures that indicate situations that could be hazardous to health as well as activities that promote health. Nurses need to work with preschoolers to promote health education so that these behaviors will continue in adulthood.