Parents’ perception of the relationship among dietary diversity, attention span, and learning readiness in preschool children in FCT, Abuja, Nigeria (Published)
This study investigated parents’ perception of the relationship among dietary diversity, attention span, and learning readiness among preschool children in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria. The study employed a correlational survey design to examine the relationships among the variables. The target population consisted of parents of preschool children aged 3–5 years enrolled in private nursery schools in the FCT. Using stratified random sampling, a sample of 200 parents was selected from six nursery schools across three municipal districts. Data were collected using a researcher-developed instrument titled Parent Questionnaire on Dietary Diversity, Attention Span, and Learning Readiness. The instrument was validated by experts in Measurement and Evaluation, and data were analysed using mean, standard deviation, and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation (PPMC) at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that preschool children in the study area experience moderate dietary diversity (Sectional Mean = 3.12), although daily consumption of fruits and vegetables was relatively low. The results also showed that children demonstrate a high level of attention span (Sectional Mean=3.50) and a high level of learning readiness (Sectional Mean = 3.58). Correlation analysis indicated a moderate positive and significant relationship between dietary diversity and attention span (r=0.472, p<0.05) and a strong positive and significant relationship between attention span and learning readiness (r=0.655, p <0.05). These results suggest that children who consume a more diverse range of foods tend to demonstrate improved attentional abilities and greater readiness for learning. The study concludes that dietary diversity plays an important role in supporting cognitive functioning and school readiness among preschool children. The study therefore recommends increased parental awareness of balanced nutrition.
Keywords: Abuja, Dietary diversity, Early Childhood Development, Nigeria, attention; memory, executive function, learning readiness, preschool