Evidence for a curriculum review for secondary schools in Fiji

This pilot study aimed to gather information about knowledge of and attitudes towards a range of health and dietary issues, with a focus on obesity and NCDs. It involved 967 children equally distributed between Form 3 (age range 13-14) and form 5 (age range 16-17) from three schools, one from each of the health divisions in Fiji. It was found that almost half of the sample group were of "normal" weight, whilst 18% were classified as "overweight" and 16% as "obese". Half the children took an inactive mode of transport (bus/car) to school and a higher percentage of those who went by bus/car were overweight. The average daily consumption of fruit and vegetables was very low and the consumption of fried foods was high, particularly in urban-based schools. The majority of students did not know the full and correct definition of "balanced meals". Despite the majority of children (83.7%) recognizing the importance of PA and 75% of children reporting that they exercised "for health", only 14% of boys and 10% of girls said they looked forward to PE classes as it was good for their health. Ninety percent of children indicated that being overweight is not healthy and that 75% of children think that being underweight is not healthy. Overall, the children recognized the importance of good diet and exercise for health. However, gaps existed in the curriculum--particularly regarding the importance of engaging in PE for health, the role of obesity in increasing the risks of NCDs and the specific meanings of terms such as "health" and "balanced meals". Modification of the curriculum to enforce knowledge of the importance of PE/PA and the way they impact upon health, may improve the dietary and PA trends seen in schools in Fiji.