Effectiveness of a Structured Health Education Programme on Knowledge and Preventive Practices Regarding Obesity and Lifestyle-Related Diseases among Young Adults: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background

Obesity and lifestyle-related diseases have become important public health concerns, particularly among young adults. Changes in dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, inadequate physical activity, prolonged screen time, poor sleep, and other unhealthy behaviors contribute to increased risk of obesity and non-communicable diseases. The World Health Organization reports that in 2022, 43% of adults aged 18 years and above worldwide were overweight and 16% were living with obesity. Healthy diet and regular physical activity are important components of prevention.

Methods

A quantitative research approach with a quasi-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design was adopted. The study was conducted among young adults in a selected community. A sample of [sample size] young adults was selected using [sampling technique]. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire and a preventive practice scale. A structured health education programme focusing on obesity, healthy diet, physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, stress management, and prevention of lifestyle-related diseases was administered after the pre-test. A post-test was conducted after [duration] to assess changes in knowledge and preventive practices. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

The pre-test and post-test findings demonstrated [insert actual finding]. The mean knowledge score increased from [pre-test mean ± SD] to [post-test mean ± SD], while the mean preventive practice score increased from [pre-test mean ± SD] to [post-test mean ± SD]. The difference between pre-test and post-test scores was [statistically significant/not significant] at the selected level of significance.

Conclusion

The study is intended to determine whether a structured health education programme can improve knowledge and preventive practices regarding obesity and lifestyle-related diseases among young adults. Community-based health education may provide an accessible approach for promoting healthier dietary habits, regular physical activity, and other preventive lifestyle behaviors.