Implementing Self-Help Interventions in Nursing Practice for Children and Adolescents on Mental Health with Risk for Eating Disorders

Background: Eating disorders are becoming increasingly prevalent among children and adolescents, significantly impacting physical health, mental well-being, social relationships, and academic performance. There is a critical need for effective and accessible interventions, particularly those that incorporate self-help strategies within nursing practice. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-help intervention in addressing eating disorders and enhancing mental health among children and adolescents. Methods: A true experimental study with a pretest-post-test control group design was conducted in Kendari City, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n=51) or a control group (n=51). The self-help intervention comprised modules designed to improve eating behaviours and mental well-being. Data were collected using the SCOFF (Sick, Control, One, Fat, Food) Questionnaire and the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire – Self-Report (MFQ-Self), with statistical analysis performed using the Paired Wilcoxon test. Results: The intervention group showed a significant reduction in eating disorder risk, with the mean SCOFF score decreasing from 3.37 to 1.39, and a notable improvement in mental health, with the mean MFQ-Self score decreasing from 4.06 to 2.59. In contrast, the control group exhibited minimal changes in both measures. The Paired Wilcoxon test confirmed that the improvements in the intervention group were statistically significant (p < 0.001), while the changes in the control group were not. Conclusion: The self-help intervention proved effective in reducing the risk of eating disorders and enhancing mental health among adolescents. This approach represents a promising, cost-effective, and accessible strategy for integration into nursing practice.