Journal of Research in Applied and Basic Medical Sciences

en Effectiveness of School-Based Nutrition Education on Adolescent Dietary Diversity in Osun State, Nigeria Nutrition Nutrition پژوهشي orginal article Background: Adolescents in low and middle-income countries often consume monotonous, starch-based diets, which result in micronutrient deficiencies and poor health outcomes. Methods: A quasi-experimental study involving four schools (two intervention, two control) in Osun State assessed the effect of a short school-based nutrition education program on dietary knowledge and diversity among 120 students. The intervention comprised four one-hour sessions over two weeks using role plays, group discussions, and WHO-adapted materials. Results: The proportion of students with high knowledge in the intervention group increased from 12% to 23%, while high dietary diversity rose from 17% to 22%. Although improvements were observed, these changes were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The short intervention duration and small sample size may have limited measurable effects. Cost and food availability remained major barriers. Conclusion: Short-term, school-based interventions can improve nutrition literacy and intentions but require longer duration and integration with school feeding and household support for measurable dietary impact.   Dietary diversity, Nutrition education, Nutrition intervention, Public health 354 361 http://ijrabms.umsu.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-472-2&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Ilo Jumoke Georgina jumoke.ilo@uniosun.edu.ng 10031947532846005576 10031947532846005576 Yes Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Osun State University Raheem Oluwadarasimi Beatrice raheemoluwadarasimi2004@gmail.com 10031947532846005577 10031947532846005577 No Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Osun State University Taiwo Mary Jacob taiwo.jacob@uniosun.edu.ng 10031947532846005578 10031947532846005578 No Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Osun State University