Comparison of two education methods (lecture session and booklet) on nutritional knowledge, attitude and behavior in secondary school students Qom, 2012

Unhealthy nutrition is very influential in incidence of some diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. Since the most unhealthy behaviors was originated from childhood or adolescence experiences, and proper nutrition during puberty has strong influence on health, therefore this study was to examined the effects of two educational methods on nutritional knowledge, attitude and behavior in students.

This quasi-experimental study was conducted the effects of two educational methods on the nutritional knowledge, attitude and behavior in secondary school students with a four-part questionnaire (including demographic, knowledge, attitude and behavior). Two schools were determined by cluster sampling and 110 students in third grade were selected from each school (n= 220). Then subjects assigned in two groups (booklet or lecture session). Data was collected by a valid and reliable questionnaire that was completed by subjects as pretest. Then an educational program was completed in three sessions. Participants were completed the same questionnaire as post test three month later. Statistical analysis of data was performed by SPSS16 software and paired and independent t-test and intra-class correlation test was used for statistical analysis.

The educational intervention was revealed significant increase in the mean scores of knowledge, attitude and behavior in both groups (P<0/05). Differences in mean scores of knowledge and attitude in the lecture session was significantly higher than the mean scores in the booklet group (P<0/05).

Both educational methods increased nutritional knowledge, attitude and behavior in adolescents. Therefore, planning educational programs seems necessary to improve nutritional behaviors.