Developing a Social Cognitive Theory-Based Nutrition Education Program for Adolescents in Korea

Abstract

To evaluate the effects of a nutrition education program on knowledge, self-efficacy, and reduction of sugar consumption among adolescents in South Korea. A quasi-experimental study design without a control group was used. A total of 123 students in a middle school participated in the 3-hour nutrition education program which was offered for 3 consecutive weeks. The topics of 3 classes offered were understanding sugar, knowing one’s sweet taste salinity, and tips for reducing sugar intake. Pre-, post-, and follow-up surveys were administered before, immediately after program completion, and after six weeks, respectively. Knowledge of sugar (10 items) was measured using multiple choice questions; self-efficacy regarding reducing sugar consumption and outcome expectations about health effects were measured using a 5-point Likert scale (5 items each); and sweet snacks and beverage consumption were measured using intake frequencies (17 items). The changes in outcome measures were examined using a paired t-test. Students’ knowledge (p<0.01) and self-efficacy (p<0.05) at the post- and follow-up assessments were significantly higher than those at the pre-test, but there were no changes in the outcome expectation. The frequency of sweet snack consumption at the follow-up assessment significantly decreased compared to the pre-test assessment (p<0.05). The findings suggested that a one-time nutrition education focused on reducing sugar consumption may improve adolescents’ knowledge, self-efficacy and dietary behavior in a school setting. However, these results need to be accepted with caution as the study was conducted without a control group.