Effect of Poster-Based Nutrition Education on Breakfast Knowledge among Elementary School Students at SDN 2 Aceh Besar

Abstract

Breakfast is an essential dietary practice that contributes to children’s nutritional adequacy, cognitive performance, concentration, and academic achievement. However, breakfast skipping remains common among school-aged children, often due to limited knowledge regarding its importance. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of nutrition education using poster media on breakfast knowledge among fourth-grade students at SDN 2 Aceh Besar. A quasi-experimental study employing a one-group pretest–posttest design was conducted among 52 students selected through total sampling. Students’ breakfast knowledge was assessed using a validated structured questionnaire administered before and after the intervention. The educational intervention consisted of a poster-based nutrition education session focusing on the definition, benefits, and importance of breakfast. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test with a significance level of 0.05. The results showed a significant improvement in students’ breakfast knowledge following the intervention. The mean knowledge score increased from 13.31 ± 3.02 before the intervention to 17.81 ± 2.84 after the intervention, representing an average increase of 4.50 points. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between pretest and posttest scores (Z = −6.231; p < 0.001). These findings indicate that poster-based nutrition education is an effective strategy for improving breakfast knowledge among elementary school students. The use of visually engaging educational media should be considered in school-based nutrition programs to promote healthy eating behaviors from an early age.