School-based Adolescent Nutrition Education Project (ANEP): A pre-post experimental study protocol developed for implementation in District Rawalpindi, Pakistan

BackgroundAdolescents in Pakistan, comprising 22% of the population, face increasing risks of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) due to unhealthy lifestyles, with low physical activity and poor dietary habits being prevalent. Given the rising burden of metabolic syndrome and lifestyle-related illnesses, targeted interventions are crucial to promoting healthier behaviors and preventing long-term health complications.AimThe study aims to assess a structured nutrition education intervention, grounded in the social-ecological model (SEM), improves dietary behaviors among school adolescents. The hypothesis suggests that implementing SEM-based interventions will lead to measurable improvements in students' dietary choices.MethodsA pre-post experimental study will be conducted over 8 to 10 months. A total of 180 students from grades 6 to 8 will be recruited. The intervention includes teacher training, parental engagement, student counseling, and digital support. Dietary behaviors will be assessed using the diet quality questionnaire (DQQ) before and after the intervention. Statistical analyses, including paired <i>t</i>-tests and regression models, will evaluate changes in dietary choices.SummaryThe study is expected to demonstrate significant improvements in students' dietary habits and knowledge. Findings will provide evidence for integrating nutrition education into school curricula, informing policy recommendations for both public and private institutions. This research aims to offer an evidence-based model for school-based nutrition interventions, contributing to long-term adolescent health and policy development.