EFFECTIVENESS OF NEAP ON KNOWLEDGE REGARDING VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY AND ITS PREVENTION AMONG EARLY ADOLESCENTS IN SELECTED SCHOOLS OF DURG DISTRICT.

Vitamin D should be there deficiency is a major public health concern among adolescents in India. This quasi-experimental study evaluated the effectiveness of a Nutrition Education Activity Programme (NEAP) on knowledge regarding vitamin D deficiency and its prevention among 80 early adolescents (10–13 years) in a government school of Durg District. A one-group pre-test and post-test design was used, and knowledge was assessed using a structured questionnaire. The intervention was conducted over four days using interactive educational methods. Post-test results showed a significant improvement in knowledge scores compared to pre-test scores (p < 0.05). No significant association was found between post-test knowledge and selected demographic variables. The study concludes that school-based nutrition education programmes are effective in improving adolescents" knowledge and awareness regarding vitamin D deficiency and its prevention.