Comparing the Effects of Three Educational Methods (Lecture, Question & Answer, Pamphlet Presentation) on Nutrition Status and Sustainability of Nutritional Knowledge in the Elderly

It is necessary to implement educational programs to maintain the nutritional knowledge of the elderly. This study aims to compare the effects of three educational methods (lecture, question and answer, pamphlet presentation) on nutrition status and sustainability of nutritional knowledge in the elderly in Bandar Abbas, Iran.

In this quasi-experimental study, the study population consists of all older people aged ≥60 years in Bandar Abbas city. Of these, 120 people (30 people in the control group and 30 in each of three intervention groups) were selected by a two-stage sampling method. Educational intervention were done by presenting pamphlets, lecturing, and questions & answers (Q&A) sessions. Data collection tools were a 20-item questionnaire on sustainable nutrition knowledge of the Ministry of Health and a 35-item questionnaire on nutritional behavior of the elderly. Data were analyzed in SPSS software, version 23 using one-way analysis of variance and repeated measures analysis of variance.

The age range of the elderly was 60-79 years. The majority were male (53.3%). The results showed that the effect of Q&A method was effective in improving nutrition status (F=4.397, P=0.031) and sustainability of nutritional knowledge (F=10.108, P=0.002). Education by presentation of pamphlets and lecture had no significant effect on nutrition status and sustainability of knowledge.

By the Q&A method, the nutritional knowledge can be maintained and the nutrition status can be improved in the elderly compared to lectures and pamphlet presentation methods. It helps formulate appropriate educational programs for the elderly.