Impact of Nutrition Education Program Based on Nutritional Assessment of Adolescent in Assiut -Egypt

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a stage of rapid changing, adequate nutrition is vital for achieving full growth probable, and any disturbance will occur in this stage may lead to various health problems. Aims: to assess the nutritional status and food habits among adolescents and evaluate the impact of the educational program in primary health care sittings. Methodology: quasi-experimental research design was used. Sample size was 350 adolescents (175 intervention group and 175 control group) attending two health facilities (urban and rural) which were selected randomly. Pre and posttest (immediate and late) interview structured questionnaire was used which included socio-demographic data, anthropometric measurements, hemoglobin level, questions regarding knowledge about nutrition and food habits. Results: more than two fifths (44.4%) of the sample was anemic. The mean body mass index was 21.09±4.6. Obesity was significantly more prevalent in female (13.4%) than male (3.4%).The knowledge scores of nutritional health was significantly better among adolescents in studied group than control group (p value= 0.00). Also their eating and consumption habits had a slightly improvement. Conclusion: After implementation of the program the Adolescents' knowledge and habits had a remarkable improvement.