Effects of nutrition visuals to increase awareness among adolescents on healthy foods

Undernutrition and hidden hunger pose significant threats to the well-being, growth, and development of children, youth, economies, and nations. Adolescents commonly fall short of recommended daily intakes of vegetables, fruits, and foods rich in calcium, iron, and other essential micronutrients. Limited access to healthy and nutritious foods can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Nutrition education plays a crucial role in promoting healthy eating habits and preventing chronic diseases by enhancing the nutritional knowledge of students in schools. This research aimed to assess the effects of nutrition education on the nutritional knowledge of high school students (aged 12-17 years) in Telangana, India. Results from the post-assessment demonstrated a significant improvement in students' knowledge levels (p ≤ 0.01). A comparison of pre- and post-education scores revealed that many students initially lacked adequate knowledge about various aspects of nutrition. However, post-assessment scores indicated a substantial enhancement in their understanding of the importance of a balanced diet, sources of nutrients, the roles of macronutrients and micronutrients, and the significance of physical education.   Key words: Adolescents, healthy foods, nutrition awareness, nutrition visuals, school children.