Healthy Behaviors Research Articles

Impact of Sociodemographic and Psychological Factors on Adherence to Glaucoma Treatment - A Cross-Sectional Study.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by progressive and irreversible damage to the optic nerve. The aim of the study was to examine the impact of sociodemographic and psychological factors on adherence to glaucoma therapy. The study was carried out among 190 adults treated for glaucoma at the Ophthalmology Outpatient Clinic of the University Teaching Hospital in Wroclaw between January 2019 and September 2019. Treatment adherence was measured using the Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale (ARMS). We used the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), the Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). 58.9% patients reported low treatment adherence. Educated females aged 68 or under living in cities had higher adherence. The regression analysis showed an association between dispositional optimism and glaucoma treatment adherence. The higher the level of dispositional optimism, the better the adherence. Higher dispositional optimism is directly associated with a sense of self-esteem and self-efficacy and a feeling of internal control. Patients reporting a high level of illness acceptance were found to have 2.5 times higher odds of adhering to glaucoma therapy. Illness acceptance is an indicator of the degree of adaptation to an illness and is positively correlated with a sense of self-esteem and self-efficacy and engagement in healthy behavior. More than half of patients with glaucoma have low adherence. Sociodemographic characteristics (female gender, age 68 or under, tertiary education and living in an urban area) and psychological characteristics (high level of illness acceptance, dispositional optimism and satisfaction with life) are significant predictors of high adherence.

Effect of Roy’s Adaptation Model Based Intervention on Healthy Behaviors and Quality of Life among Gestational Diabetic Women

Effect of Roy’s Adaptation Model Based Intervention on Healthy Behaviors and Quality of Life among Gestational Diabetic Women

Drivers of Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors among Arable Crop Farmers: Evidence from Kwara State, Nigeria

Globally, a healthy lifestyle is important in maintaining the balance between man and the environment as well as the prevention and avoidance of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) especially among rural dwellers in developing economies where the state of quality healthcare is in chaos. In theory, individuals are products of investments made in their health which are either health-promoting or health-damaging behavior. We causally identify the motives of healthy lifestyle practices among arable crop farmers in Kwara state, Nigeria using a cross-sectional survey. We found out that less than average of the arable crop farmers sampled practiced healthy lifestyles and the factors that strongly influenced the healthy lifestyle behavior of arable crop farmers were gender, age, education, farm size, farm income as well as distance to healthcare. A policy simulation illustrates that taking consideration of the socioeconomic characteristics that drive the practice of healthy lifestyles will improve the health status of the populace, especially the rural dwellers, and also avoid lifestyle-related diseases in the future.

Sleep patterns, genetic susceptibility, and digestive diseases: a large-scale longitudinal cohort study.

Sleep problems are prevalent. However, the impact of sleep patterns on digestive diseases remains uncertain. Moreover, the interaction between sleep patterns and genetic predisposition with digestive diseases has not been comprehensively explored. Four hundred ten thousand five hundred eighty-six participants from UK Biobank with complete sleep information were included in the analysis. Sleep patterns were measured by sleep scores as the primary exposure, based on five healthy sleep behaviors. Individual sleep behaviors were secondary exposures. Genetic risk of the digestive diseases was characterized by polygenic risk score. Primary outcome was incidence of 16 digestive diseases. Healthy sleep scores showed dose-response associations with reduced risks of digestive diseases. Compared to participants scoring 0-1, those scoring 5 showed a 28% reduced risk of any digestive disease, including a 50% decrease in irritable bowel syndrome, 37% in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, 35% in peptic ulcer, 34% in dyspepsia, 32% in gastroesophageal reflux disease, 28% in constipation, 25% in diverticulosis, 24% in severe liver disease, and 18% in gallbladder disease, whereas no correlation was observed with inflammatory bowel disease and pancreatic disease. Participants with poor sleep and high genetic risk exhibited approximately a 60% increase in the risk of digestive diseases. A healthy sleep pattern is linked to lower digestive disease risk in participants of all genetic risk levels. In this large population-based cohort, a healthy sleep pattern was associated with a reduced risk of digestive diseases, regardless of genetic susceptibility. The authors' findings underscore the potential impact of healthy sleep traits in mitigating the risk of digestive diseases.

35 - Integrating health literacy and cultural considerations into a web-based program promoting healthy behaviours in infants

35 - Integrating health literacy and cultural considerations into a web-based program promoting healthy behaviours in infants

P036 INFLUENCE OF FOOD ENVIRONMENT IN AND AROUND SCHOOLS ON FOOD CHOICES AND PRACTICES OF STUDENTS: A MIXED METHODS STUDY – ANTICIPATORY FINDINGS

Background: The health behaviors of adolescents are significantly influenced by their living environments, with schools serving as crucial settings for promoting healthy behaviors. The school food environment, encompassing areas where food is provided and consumed within and around schools, plays a key role in shaping adolescents’ dietary choices. However, there is a notable scarcity of evidence regarding the school food environment in Pakistan. This study aims to examine the school food environment and associated factors, including the availability, accessibility, and affordability of foods within and around schools for adolescents, the facilitators and barriers school vendors face while offering healthy food options, and the perspective of policymakers on the role of food environments. Objectives: • To assess the school lunchtime food practice and sources of adolescents in schools in Karachi • To explore facilitators and barriers to offering healthier food options to adolescents through school vendors both within and outside school premises • To explore the perspectives of adolescents regarding the food choices available to them Methods: A mixed methods concurrent study design i.e. a cross-sectional study, interpretive descriptive qualitative study. Six schools, comprising three government and three private schools from District Central of Karachi, will be recruited. Students from grades 6 and 7 who provide consent and assent will be included, with an anticipated sample size of 430 participants. Descriptive statistics will be utilized to analyze quantitative data and a manual thematic analysis approach will be employed to analyze qualitative data. Results: The anticipated outcome of this study is to understand the school food environment holistically taking into consideration the practices and perspectives of key stakeholders i.e. school-going adolescents, vendors, and policymakers. Conclusion The groundwork done through this research project will help develop evidence-based healthy school food environment programs/interventions that can be feasibly deployed in government and private schools in Pakistan. The research outcomes will foster collaborative efforts among various stakeholders to co-create and implement viable solutions.

232 Enhance active ageing by promoting appropriate lifestyles through the endorsement of healthy behaviours in an ageing Region

Abstract Purpose The project “Friuli Venezia Giulia in Movimento, 10000 passi di salute” (Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) Region on the move, 10000 healthy steps) commenced in January 2019 with financial support from the FVG Region with the organizational support of a regional association (Federsanità ANCI FVG). The project’s primary objective is to engage municipalities, in collaboration with organized and spontaneous associations, in implementing initiatives to promote physical activity in an accessible manner for all citizens. This is achieved through funding to promote pedestrian paths in municipalities that have chosen to participate, as well as walking leader courses and gentle exercise activities for the elderly. The project involves subjects at different governance levels: region, the regional association, Municipalities, citizens’ associations, and citizens. Project or policy description Currently, 91 municipalities (42% of the FVG Region) are participating in the project, with 82 pedestrian paths covering a total length of over 400 km now open. Specifically, 52% of individuals over 65 and 56% of those under 15 will benefit from the activities organized along these paths. Additionally, two editions of walking leader courses have been conducted along the project’s pedestrian paths, with 500 participants, and two editions of gentle exercise activities for the elderly have been held in 19 municipalities, involving over 1150 individuals. Many Municipalities have also organized walks along the project’s pedestrian paths, often accompanied by cultural events. Traditional and social media channels have prioritised communication and dissemination of project initiatives. Furthermore, numerous citizen meetings have been convened to introduce the projects and related initiatives. The project has been continuously evaluated, with activity results documented in reports. The evaluation involves different phases and all the actors that the project is intended for with various tools: it is, therefore, a multilevel evaluation. Conclusions The project has significantly impacted promoting active ageing through various activities, including physical exercise, social engagement, well-being enhancement, and local area awareness. Given their conformation (flat and without particular obstacles), the regional tourism agency has promoted the pedestrian paths of the project within the context of slow, sustainable, and inclusive tourism.

A study of parental knowledge and intended behaviour regarding introduction of juices and sugar-sweetened beverages in early childhood.

Parents and families have a role to play in helping children develop healthy behaviours that will carry over into adulthood. The sugary drink and fruit juice consumption is significantly related to unhealthy weight gain in childhood. Hence, this study was planned to assess parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices about juice and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) among parents of children (2-24 months) and identify factors that contribute to their early introduction. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 children-parent dyads (2-24 months). A questionnaire regarding the knowledge and attitudes about initiating fruit juice and SSB among children was prepared with 6 statements that were validated for contents by two subject experts. Each of the questions was designed to be answered on a Five-point Likert-type scale. STATA 14.2 version was used to analyse data. Out of 400, 14 (26.9%) and 125 (68%) parents planned to introduce SSBs and juices respectively in the first year life of their child. None of the parents had an excellent knowledge score. There was no significant difference reported between parents with less than high school and those with high school/graduation educated in their intention to introduce juice and SSBs (P = 0.68) to their babies in the first year of life and about its knowledge (P = 0.82). Most parents with lower socio-economic status (58.6%) showed less likeliness to introduce juices and SSBs to their child's diet as reflected by a statistically significant (P = 0.01) knowledge score. There was a knowledge gap among parent's of children irrespective of their education level and socio-economic status.

Psychosocial Adaptation in Lung Cancer Patients: a Literature Review

ABSTRACT Lung cancer is one type of cancer with the highest mortality rate, this is often due to delays in diagnosis and the impact of prognosis which can affect the psychosocial adaptation of lung cancer patients. Analyze psychosocial adaptation problems in lung cancer patients, their impacts, and treatment strategies. Systematic review used the PRISMA protocol and JBI scoring tool to determine eligible articles. Five electronic databases were used (Pubmed; Science Direct and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria included research on lung cancer published in English in the last ten years (2014-2024). The results showed that 20 articles met the inclusion criteria. The results of the review show several common problems experienced by lung cancer patients, including depression, anxiety, social isolation, stigmatization, mental health problems, and difficulties in adaptation. The impact is a decrease in emotional well-being, a reduction in quality of life, an increase in physical symptoms, and a worsening of the disease prognosis. Several prevention strategies include providing multidisciplinary therapy through supportive and palliative care, improving the quality of psychosocial health services, cognitive behavioral therapy, social support therapy, psycho-education, increasing social support, spiritual treatment, increasing healthy behavior, and using confrontation and stress coping. Psychosocial problems experienced by lung cancer patients are often complex and can include various aspects. Several common issues experienced by lung cancer patients are related to psychosocial problems. The impact of psychosocial problems can worsen the prognosis of lung cancer so several treatment efforts are needed to overcome psychosocial problems in lung cancer patients. Keywords: Adaptation, Lung Cancer, Literature Review, Psychosocial

A comparison of work characteristics and health status between Korean and US hospital nurses.

A rigorous examination of the occupational features across cultures helps draw policy recommendations for nurses' quality care practices and good health. This study aimed to explore the differences in work characteristics and health status between Korean and US hospital nurses. For this comparative secondary data analysis study, we constructed a dataset with 304 pairs of nurses from Korea and the United States, matched by age and gender. We used the data from the 2020 Korean Hospital Nurses Health Behaviors and Health Status study, collected from May to July 2020, and the Nurse Worklife and Wellness Study (NWWS), conducted between November 2020 and February 2021. Compared to nurses in the United States, Korean nurses rated their job-related conditions much lower, had lower intentions to stay in their current workplace and were less satisfied with their jobs. Korean nurses reported that organizational support and employee health resources were less prevalent and their levels of healthy behaviour practice and health status were lower than their US counterparts. Nurses in Korea require better practice environments and employee health support. Adequate workload and staffing levels are needed to improve job conditions for Korean nurses. Organizational support and employee health resources should always be accessible at nurses' workplaces.

Prevention and Management of Risky Behaviors in Adolescents, Focusing on Suicide, Substance Use, and Risky Sexual Behaviors through Empowerment Programs: A Narrative Review.

Empowering adolescents to manage and reduce unhealthy behaviors and promote adaptive behaviors is a promising approach to promoting healthy behaviors. This review was an attempt to evaluate adolescent empowerment programs aimed at preventing and managing risky behaviors. This narrative review was conducted in 2023. The texts were reviewed in two sections: (1) a review of articles and books in databases and (2) a review of international websites. The keywords used to search for studies and programs included substance-related disorders, risky behaviors, empowerment, program, adolescent, suicide, and risky sexual behaviors. These keywords were individually searched in international databases such as "PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science." In the second section, a search was conducted on the websites of international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO). The inclusion criteria included having the full text of the original articles, articles in English, articles related to the development and evaluation of the effectiveness of empowerment programs, and the age range of adolescents. The texts that only had abstracts and were in non-English languages were excluded. The programs designed to empower adolescents were in three areas: (1) community-based and peer-based programs, (2) family-based programs, and (3) comprehensive programs. Most programs focused on peer group participation and skill interventions. A powerful and effective empowering program for adolescents to prevent and control risky behaviors should be designed in the form of comprehensive programs in social, educational, economic, and health dimensions, and with the active engagement and participation of adolescents.

Eating habits and dietary supplement utilization according to food-related lifestyle among Korean adults: a cross-sectional study

Objectives: This study investigated the association between eating habits and the utilization of dietary supplements (DSs) according to food-related lifestyle (FRL) among Korean adults. Methods: This study included a total of 300 participants (150 men and 150 women) in their 20s to 60s living in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province. We identified two groups by factor and cluster analysis: an ‘active pursuit’ group and a ‘passive pursuit’ group. Differences in eating habits and DS utilization between the two groups were analyzed by chi-square test and t-test. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the effect of variables on DS consumption according to FRL. Results: There were significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, alcohol drinking frequency, total dietary score, change in DS consumption after coronavirus disease 2019, and current DS consumption (P < 0.05). The proportion who perceived many health benefits of DSs was higher in the ‘active pursuit’ group than in the ‘passive pursuit’ group (P = 0.003). The most commonly consumed type of DSs was multivitamins & minerals for the ‘active pursuit’ group, and omega-3 fatty acids for the ‘passive pursuit’ group. The ‘an active pursuit’ group consumed DSs 2.93 times more (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.44–5.97) compared to the ‘passive pursuit’ group, after adjusting for confounders. In the ‘active pursuit’ group, the health pursuit (odds ratio [OR] = 6.54, 95% CI: 1.44– 29.61) and rational consumption pursuit factors (OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.08–0.83) were associated with DS consumption, whereas only the health pursuit factor had a significant association (OR = 5.37, 95% CI: 2.08–13.88) within the ‘passive pursuit’ group. However, total dietary score and DSs consumption did not show a relationship. Conclusions: By understanding the consumption characteristics of DSs according to FRL, this can serve as basic data necessary for promoting health through the utilization of DSs and healthy behaviors.

Time Perspective and Perceived Social Isolation: The Role of Social Interaction Anxiety.

Time perspective is a theoretical construct that describes how humans perceive time, which can influence decision-making and subsequent behavior. Research has shown that an individual's dominant time perspective can be linked to increased risk of poor health. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between time perspective and perceived social isolation. Specifically, we examined the role of social interaction anxiety in the relationship between time perspective and perceived social isolation in a normative sample of college-aged individuals. Undergraduates (n = 1780) at a large midwestern university completed an online survey. Results revealed that future-oriented, past-positive, and present-hedonistic time perspectives were significantly negatively associated with perceived social isolation. In contrast, past-negative was positively associated with perceived social isolation, and these relationships were partially explained by social interaction anxiety. Understanding dominant time perspectives can help us to better assess health risk factors and may help to develop interventions to promote healthy behaviors.

The relationship of stigma level and healthy lifestyle behaviors in individuals with type 2 diabetes

Aim: This study is a descriptive research aiming to examine the relationship between the level of stigma and healthy lifestyle behaviors in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted with 142 patients who were admitted to a university hospital between October 1 and December 15, 2022. Data were obtained with the sociodemographic form, Stigma Assessment Scale (SAS) and Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scales (HLBS). Results: The mean SAS score of the patients participating in the study was 43.66±12.09, and the mean HLBS score was 125.83±21.48. The highest scores were in physical activity and interpersonal relationships, HLBS was generally at a moderate level, and a statistically significant negative correlation was found between SAS and HLBS scores (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was observed that the SAS and HLBS scores were at a moderate level in type 2 diabetes patients, education affected the level of stigma, gender and marital status affected the HLBS score, and healthy lifestyle scores significantly decreased as the level of stigma increased.

Examining The Dual Impact of Comprehensive Psychological Intervention and Ideological and Political Education on College Students' Health Behaviour

Background: College students face unique challenges including lifestyle transitions and increased academic demands, highlighting the need for interventions that address both behavioral and psychological health. Recent insights into ideological education and mental health suggest they significantly influence students' health-related choices. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an Integrated Physical Education (IPE) curriculum coupled with a psychosocial intervention on the health-related behaviors of college students. Methods: We employed a pre-test/post-test design to assess changes in self-reported health behaviors, physical activity levels, stress management, and sleep quality following the intervention. Results: The intervention led to noticeable improvements across several areas. Participants experienced reduced stress levels and enhanced sleep quality, attributed to the intervention's focus on relaxation techniques, potentially improving overall energy levels. Additionally, there was a positive shift in physical activity patterns, with an increase in moderate-intensity exercises and a decrease in lower-intensity activities. However, the study also identified barriers to sustaining these healthy behaviors, such as time constraints and elevated stress during examinations, which hindered consistent participation in fitness regimes and healthy eating. Lack of social support also emerged as a challenge in maintaining these lifestyle changes. Conclusions: The findings suggest that integrating comprehensive psychological therapies with political and ideological education can effectively promote positive changes in health-related behaviors among college students. The study recommends incorporating practical advice on integrating healthy routines into daily schedules to address time management challenges, thereby enhancing the sustainability of health-promoting behaviors. Recommendations: Future interventions should focus on strategies for overcoming time barriers and enhancing social support to facilitate long-term adherence to healthy behaviors among college students.

Analyzing the Effectiveness of Family-Based Interventions in Promoting Healthy Behaviors among Children in China

Objectives: The children's health has become every society's priority to promote a healthy future generation. In China, different measures are being taken by the government and other associated organizations to promote important family-based interventions to improve healthy behaviors among Children. Methods: This study has also focused on evaluating the effectiveness of a family-based (REDUCE) intervention in promoting health behaviors among children in China. For this study, a randomized-controlled trial (RCT) was implemented for the parents and children (with age of 7 to 10 years). These children were obese or overweight. Face-to-face sessions and social media were used for conducting the associated intervention. The "child eating behaviors questionnaire (CEBQ)" was used for assessing the children's eating behaviours. In contrast, a parental report was used for determining the dietary consumption of fruits and unhealthy snacks among the children for three days. The significance level was < 0.05. About 124 parents participated in this study. Results: The results obtained show that at six-month of post-training, there was significant differences in the mean of food (p < 0.0011), intake of fruits and vegetables (p < 0.0011) and intake of unhealthy snacks (p < 0.011) within the context of control and intervention groups. Conclusion: The current study provides important implications, focusing on improving the literature review concerning family-based intervention in improving the health behaviors among children.

Assessing the Mediating Role of Information Technology in Promoting Healthy Behaviors among Children in China

Objectives: In the past few years, continuous advancements in information technology have also encouraged different people to utilize online media to promote eHealth literacy. This approach is also considered effective in improving the health behaviors among the associated individuals, leading to improved quality of life. Methods: Thus, this study also aims to assess the mediating role of information technology in promoting health behaviors among children in China. For this purpose, the mediation of information technology (eHealth literacy) was observed in association between quality of life (QoL) and promotion of healthy behaviors. Within this context health promoting lifestyle (HPL) among the individuals was also considered. For this research, a cross-sectional survey was carried out among 2,290 children (ages 10 to > 16 years) in China. For this survey, the basic characteristics of the participants, including their age, education level, family income, gender, and residence, were determined to measure their eHealth literacy and HPL. For this study, regression analysis was conducted for determining the association between the variables. Results: The results obtained from model 1 shows that eHealth literacy significantly impact health- promoting behaviors (p < 0.05). The results obtained from model 2 also showed that health-promoting behaviours and eHealth literacy were significantly associated with quality of life (p < 0.05). Moreover, the value of indirect effect of healthy behaviors promotion was found to be 0.124 in association between quality of life and eHealth literacy/ information technology (CI= 95%), whereas, the total mediating impact of information technology, contributed 40.5% to the total effect. Conclusion: In conclusion, information technology (eHealth literacy) significantly mediates the association between HPL and QoL. Thus, the current research has been effective in presenting important implications for the promotion of eHealth literacy.

Do Non-Clinical Services Help to Improve Functional Outcomes Among Young Adults With Mental Disorders? A Systematic Review.

Mental disorders during young adulthood can significantly impair functioning in daily activities. Non-clinical support services aim to improve functioning by helping people to build social and life skills, participate in education and employment and improve physical health. This study aims to examine and synthesise the evidence for non-clinical services on improving functional outcomes for young adults with mental disorders. A systematic search was undertaken to identify quantitative and qualitative studies reporting on a non-clinical service component (vocational support, peer support, youth development, lifestyle interventions, family and network support) and examining functional outcomes (e.g., outcomes focussed on work and education, life skills, relationships and healthy behaviours). Seventeen studies met inclusion criteria. Identified studies focussed on vocational support services (n = 9), lifestyle interventions (n = 6) and family and network support services (n = 2). No studies on peer-support services or youth development services were found. More than half of the vocational support service studies reported increased employment rates among young adults (n = 6). Studies focussing on lifestyle interventions included a combination of physical activity, nutrition education, health coaching and motivation and behaviour change. However, the measures of functioning used across studies were too varied to determine whether lifestyle interventions may be useful in improving functional outcomes for young adults. Further research is needed to understand the impact of non-clinical services on functioning. This evidence will provide pragmatic guidance for service planners to invest in supports and interventions that make a meaningful difference to the lives of young adults living with mental disorders.

Trends of high fat, salt and sugar food consumption and its impact on nutritional status of school children

Background: India is currently in a phase of nutrition transition. Increased consumption of food high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) is contributing significantly to prevalence of triple burden of malnutrition among children. Methods: In this study, the nutritional status and frequency of HFSS food consumption were assessed in 360 school children (boys n=171, girls n=189) aged between 6-16 years using standard tools and techniques. Results: From the results, it was evident that the frequency of consumption of HFSS food among children of both the age group 6-10 years and 11-16 years was significantly high (p≤0.05). Children aged between 6-10 years were more prone to under nutrition (38%) and they were consuming more snacks such as chips, biscuits, packaged fruit juices high in sodium, saturated fat and sugar. On the other hand, adolescents aged between 11-16 years show a higher prevalence of both under nutrition and overweight (10%), potentially linked to their consumption of bakery products, street foods, sugary drinks and carbonated beverages. Conclusions: The nutrition transition shift is towards consumption of refined, ultra processed, high sodium and fat foods. The age-based trend is a nutritional challenge among children and adolescents. The findings of this study emphasized the urgent need for early screening of nutrient deficiencies, comprehensive interventions to address the triple burden of malnutrition among school children. Efforts should focus on promoting healthy dietary behaviours, enhancing nutritional literacy among children, parents and care givers, improving access to nutritious foods, and regulating the marketing and availability of HFSS foods.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Healthy Nutrition and Obesity Awareness Education for Middle School Students Using Drama-Based Learning Activities

Aim: The prevalence of childhood obesity is rapidly increasing, making it one of the most common nutritional problems globally. This study aimed to investigate the impact of education using the creative drama technique on obesity awareness and healthy nutrition-exercise behavior among middle school students. Material and Methods: This single-group pre-test-post-test quasi-experimental study was conducted in a state middle school in a Western Black Sea Region province between October 2023 and January 2024, involving 156 middle school students selected through random sampling. A six-session face-to-face education program on obesity prevention and healthy nutrition was implemented. Data collection forms included a Demographic Information Form, an Obesity Awareness Scale, and a Nutrition-Exercise Behavior Scale. Data collection forms were administered to students before (t1) and one month after the education (t2). Results: The mean age of the participating students was 12.33±0.92. Only 3.8% of students had previously received education on combating obesity through healthy nutrition. There was a significant increase in students’ obesity awareness (t1=2.99±0.17, t2=3.54±0.20) and nutrition-exercise behavior scores (t1=153.76±13.07, t2=165.1±11.57) after the education. Conclusion: Interactive and participatory learning through the creative drama technique effectively increased students’ obesity awareness and promoted healthy nutrition-exercise behaviors. Education focusing on hands-on experiences and active engagement was found to be successful in enhancing students’ awareness of obesity and encouraging healthier lifestyle choices.