Children's knowledge of health and illness: implications for health education

20 children at each of 4 age-levels (6, 8, 9 and 11 years) were interviewed about their knowledge of health and illness. Children were asked to define 'being healthy' and what they must do to remain healthy. Knowledge of diseases and their prevention was poor. Children assigned a central role to diet in maintaining good health. The results are discussed in relation to possible ways of improving health education to school-children.