The Effect of Nutrition Education on Nutritional Habits, Nutritional Knowledge and Physical Activity of High School Students

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of nutrition education on nutritional habits, nutritional knowledge, and physical activity levels of high school students.

Subjects and Method: 2ⁿᵈ grade high school students in Hurriyet Private College between 14-17 years of age were enrolled in this study during the 2017-2018 academic years. Nutrition education on healthy eating was given to students who agreed to participate in the study twice a month, and 4 times in total on October and November 2018. A questionnaire including dietary habits, food records (3-days) and physical activity records was administered at 3 times: before education, after education, and at 2 months post-education.

Results: The ratio of total energy from protein and fat increased, while the percentage of energy from carbohydrates decreased significantly at 2 months post-education (p<0.05). There was also an increase in daily cholesterol intake after education and 2 months post-education (p<0.05). According to Turkish Nutrition Guide, daily intakes of vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B12 and niacin as well as mineral intakes including sodium and phosphorus were above the recommendations. However, thiamine, folate, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron intakes were below the recommendations. Mean nutritional knowledge scores of the students increased significantly after education and at 2 months post-education (p<0.05). Physical activity levels of students did not change significantly after nutrition education or at 2 months post-intervention (p>0.05).

Conclusion: There was a significant increase in nutritional knowledge levels of the students after nutrition education however it was not effective on nutritional habits. Nutrition education should be extended through the entire academic year and should be given more frequently in order to provide a more effective education as well as to ensure behavioral change.