Educational intervention on knowledge and self-efficacy towards reducing over nutrition among school-going adolescents of Kawasoti municipality

Background: Overnutrition among adolescents is a global concern with unhealthy habits and sedentary lifestyles contributing to health complications such as obesity. Addressing overnutrition during adolescence is crucial, as it can persist into adulthood, posing long-term health risks. Recognizing the well-established efficacy of educational interventions in fostering positive health behaviours. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on enhancing knowledge and self-efficacy concerning overnutrition among school-aged adolescents in Kawasoti Municipality. Methods: A prospective quasi-experimental design model was employed with a pre-test/post-test control group for this study. Two public schools in Kawasoti Municipality were purposively selected with one school designated as the intervention group and the other as the control group. School-aged adolescents (12 to 16 years) studying in grades 9 and 10 were enrolled. The intervention package comprised interactive sessions, mini-lectures, videos, demonstrations, and distribution of educational materials targeting overnutrition awareness, healthy eating habits, and physical activity promotion. The intervention was delivered to the designated intervention school over a one-month period. Results: The intervention significantly enhanced knowledge levels in the intervention group. Post-test results showed a higher mean (15.83) of participants with high knowledge score in the intervention group. The intervention boosted self-efficacy in healthy eating and physical activity with the intervention group (mean self-efficacy score=19.69) displaying significantly higher levels than the control group (mean self-efficacy score=16.50) which were statistically significant. Statistically significant positive correlations were found between knowledge, healthy eating self-efficacy (r=0.59, P<0.05) in intervention group and physical activity self-efficacy were evident in both groups (r=0.85, P<0.05 in control group, r=0.42, P<0.05 in control group). Conclusion: The study demonstrated that interventions in Kawasoti Municipality helped adolescents gain knowledge, self-confidence, and healthier habits. Future interventions should be comprehensive, focused, and collaborative to effectively address teenage overnutrition.