The effect of schooling on nutritional knowledge, attitudes and nutritional outcomes in Ethiopia was investigated. Data were obtained in late 1989 in Debre Birhan in Shoa province from three groups: 267 mothers, 114 clinic users and six primary schools with a total of 528 students. Mothers and students were administered tests measuring nutritional knowledge and attitudes. The nutritional status of children age 6-31 months was evaluated by measurement of the weight and height. Schooling, particularly upper secondary schooling, was found significantly influence nutritional knowledge and nutritional outcomes. A causal model is presented which suggests that modern nutritional knowledge, together with the educational level of the mother, is immensely important in influencing nutritional practices. The study suggests that while schooling influences nutritional knowledge and nutritional outcomes, greater attention must be given to improving instruction in nutrition at the primary and lower secondary level.

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