Effectiveness of School-Based Nutrition Education on Adolescent Dietary Diversity in Osun State, Nigeria

Jumoke Georgina, Ilo; Oluwadarasimi Beatrice, Raheem; Mary Jacob, Taiwo

doi:https://doi.org/10.61882/rabms.11.4.354

Volume 11, Issue 4 (11-2025) Journal of Research in Applied and Basic Medical Sciences 2025, 11(4): 354-361 | Back to browse issues page

‎ https://doi.org/10.61882/rabms.11.4.354

Ethics code: UNIOSUNHREC/2025/HND/026

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Jumoke Georgina I, Oluwadarasimi Beatrice R, Mary Jacob T. Effectiveness of School-Based Nutrition Education on Adolescent Dietary Diversity in Osun State, Nigeria. Journal of Research in Applied and Basic Medical Sciences 2025; 11 (4) :354-361
URL: http://ijrabms.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-464-en.html

Effectiveness of School-Based Nutrition Education on Adolescent Dietary Diversity in Osun State, Nigeria

Ilo Jumoke Georgina ^*

, Raheem Oluwadarasimi Beatrice

, Taiwo Mary Jacob

Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Osun State University , jumoke.ilo@uniosun.edu.ng

Abstract: (85 Views)

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.

Keywords: Dietary diversity, Nutrition education, Nutrition intervention, Public health

Full-Text [PDF 337 kb] (24 Downloads)

Type of Study: orginal article | Subject: Nutrition

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