Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Healthy Nutrition and Obesity Awareness Education for Middle School Students Using Drama-Based Learning Activities

Aim: The prevalence of childhood obesity is rapidly increasing, making it one of the most common nutritional problems globally. This study aimed to investigate the impact of education using the creative drama technique on obesity awareness and healthy nutrition-exercise behavior among middle school students. Material and Methods: This single-group pre-test-post-test quasi-experimental study was conducted in a state middle school in a Western Black Sea Region province between October 2023 and January 2024, involving 156 middle school students selected through random sampling. A six-session face-to-face education program on obesity prevention and healthy nutrition was implemented. Data collection forms included a Demographic Information Form, an Obesity Awareness Scale, and a Nutrition-Exercise Behavior Scale. Data collection forms were administered to students before (t1) and one month after the education (t2). Results: The mean age of the participating students was 12.33±0.92. Only 3.8% of students had previously received education on combating obesity through healthy nutrition. There was a significant increase in students’ obesity awareness (t1=2.99±0.17, t2=3.54±0.20) and nutrition-exercise behavior scores (t1=153.76±13.07, t2=165.1±11.57) after the education. Conclusion: Interactive and participatory learning through the creative drama technique effectively increased students’ obesity awareness and promoted healthy nutrition-exercise behaviors. Education focusing on hands-on experiences and active engagement was found to be successful in enhancing students’ awareness of obesity and encouraging healthier lifestyle choices.