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The purpose of this study was to assess the nutritional behavior regarding the frequency of consumption of the main types of food by pregnant women attending antenatal classes in comparison to non-attendees.

A questionnaire survey was conducted in Poland among 200 women in the first pregnancy, 100 of whom were attending antenatal classes and 100 were non-attendees.

Women attending antenatal classes exhibited more favorable health-related nutritional behaviors in comparison with those not attending. Attendees eat more vegetables and milk products whereas non-attendees declared more processed meat and sweets consumption. Three-fourth of non-attendees and two-fourth of attendees considered their diet as good. It was also found that the level of physical activity of pregnant women attending antenatal classes was significantly higher than among those who did not attend such classes.

A limitation of the study was that it took place in Poland and voices from women of other European countries as well as diverse ethnicities were not represented. In addition, women were interviewed only during their pregnancy, and therefore it was not possible to investigate women's nutritional behaviors after delivery.

This research shows clearly that attending antenatal classes may involve with a beneficial effect on the nutritional behavior of pregnant women. It is expected that once established healthy nutritional habits should be practiced further.

This research is the indication of the important role of antenatal classes in developing more favorable health-related dietary behavior expressed by the participants. To our knowledge in Poland, it is the first time that the nutritional behavior of pregnant women attending and not attending antenatal classes were examined and compared. So far in Poland, the extent and type of nutritional education received by pregnant women across antenatal care has not been examined. This research can contribute to a broader recognition of nutritional knowledge and practice of pregnant women important for the health of mother and her baby.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the knowledge and practices of selected group of Polish children in early school age in terms of issues such as: (1) the principles of food preparation, storage and eating meals; (2) personal hygiene; and (3) basic information about microorganisms.

The auditorium survey method was used. The questionnaire consisted of 15 questions related to the children's knowledge of personal hygiene, the principles of food preparation and storage and the physiology of microorganisms and 13 questions related to the children's personal and food hygiene practice. In total, 169 questionnaires were collected. The study group of children had incomplete knowledge and often reported inappropriate food hygiene practices.

The subjects of food preparation and storage and knowledge of microbes were particular problem areas. By contrast, aspects related to handwashing, the appropriate practices while coughing or sneezing and washing fruit before consumption were positively evaluated. The children demonstrated the most knowledge in the field of personal hygiene. However, a very low percentage of correct answers was noted for the question about handwashing at school. None of the 13 questions related to this practice received more than 90% correct answers. The boys and girls demonstrated a comparable level of knowledge and practice in the area of food safety. It was showed that the place of school influenced answers to a greater extent compared to gender.

The results of the study play an important role in the prevention of food poisoning and are useful for the teachers, staff of training institutions and parents. They can also inspire institutions in countries with a high incidence of food poisoning to search for the causes in the inappropriate hygienic practices of young children.