Adolescents' Health Literacy, Physical Activity and Healthy Eating Self-efficacy Levels

Summary

Adolescence is a critical transitional period characterized by rapid and multifaceted changes in physical, psychological, and social dimensions. According to the World Health Organization, adolescence encompasses the age range of 10 to 19 years. Alongside physical changes, this period involves significant developments and transformations in knowledge, skills, and behaviors, driven by the individual's identity formation process. Health behaviors such as nutrition and physical activity play a pivotal role in protecting and promoting adolescent health. However, unhealthy eating habits and insufficient physical activity are highly prevalent among adolescents.

These behaviors are associated with physical problems, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, delayed growth and development, and psychological issues such as susceptibility to stress, low self-esteem, and lack of confidence. Consequently, fostering healthy eating and physical activity behaviors in adolescents is essential.

Given that adolescents spend a considerable portion of their time in school, implementing school-based interventions to promote these behaviors represents an effective approach to preventing lifestyle-related health issues in adulthood. The literature indicates that various interventions aimed at improving nutrition and physical activity behaviors in adolescents are generally effective. Nevertheless, sustaining these behaviors in the long term remains a challenge, as studies have shown that increases in knowledge do not always translate into behavioral changes.

One of the most effective strategies for instilling healthy behaviors in adolescents is health education. School-based health education not only facilitates the acquisition of functional health literacy but also strengthens the attitudes, beliefs, and practical skills necessary for adopting and maintaining healthy behaviors. Moreover, health education is a powerful tool for enhancing health literacy components such as accessing, understanding, evaluating, and utilizing accurate health information, enabling adolescents to take responsibility for their health and make informed decisions.

This study aims to contribute to fostering healthy eating and physical activity behaviors in adolescents, supporting their transformation into lifelong habits. Additionally, the findings are expected to guide school health professionals, particularly school nurses, in expanding interventions within the scope of school health services.

Conditions

• Obesity Prevention
• Exercise
• Nutrition
• Health Literacy
• Physical Activity
• Self-Efficacy

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Nutrition and exercise education

Nutrition and exercise training was created as a result of literature review, and expert opinions (Public Health Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Nutrition and Dietetics) were taken for the training content and finalized. The training program consists of six sessions. It is planned to have one session per week and each session will last 30-45 minutes on average. The times when the students are available will be determined by discussing with the school administration in advance. Computers and barcovisions in schools will be utilized for the training of students. Trainings will be conducted through verbal expression, power point presentations, brainstorming, exercises, games, written and visual materials, video screenings and question-answer methods. Adolescents will be given bookmarks, magnets and brochures prepared to prevent obesity.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Ministry of National Education, Turkey

  collaborator OTHER_GOV

• Adem SÜMEN

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-03-01

Primary Completion

2025-03-15

Completion

2025-06-15

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations