A Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Education Program On Knowledge Regarding Avoidance of Junk Food Among Adolescents Studying in Selected Schools of District Mohali, Punjab

Abstract

Introduction : Staying healthy involves not only adopting positive habits but also following a nutritious diet. For growth and development as well as an active lifestyle, a balanced diet with diverse, moderate quantities is necessary. Adolescent are going to more susceptible to heart disease, obesity, high cholesterol, and malnutrition because they frequently eat fast, processed foods like Chips, burger and soft drinks. Methodology : The research designused was pre experimental research design. The total sample was 100 adolescents, which was selected by non-probability purposive sampling technique. The self-structure knowledge questionnaire was chosen as the research instrument. The tool was validated by 7 nursing experts for establishing the content validity. Using the Cronbach's Alpha technique in IBM SPSS version 26, the tool's reliability was evaluated and it was found "r" 0.767, which   indicated that the tool are highly reliable. Results : There was no statistically significant difference in pre-test knowledge scores among experimental (7.68+1.728). However, there was statistically significant difference among post-test knowledge score of experimental group (16.57+2.11) with t = 33.275 (df 99) p= 0.001 after implementing education program. Further there was a statistically significant difference in pre-test score (7.68+1.728) and post-test score (16.57+2.11) in experimental group (P= 0.001). Hence, it can be inferred that pre-test knowledge score of experimental group was less. But after implementing education program on avoidance of junk food to the experimental group, the value of post-test was significantly higher than the pre-test knowledge score. So It is concluded that the structured teaching program regarding avoidance of junk food was effective. Therefore, null hypothesis is rejected and research hypothesis is accepted at p<(0.05). Conclusion : The study concluded Education program enhance the knowledge regarding avoidance of junk food among adolescents.