Improve Health Education Research Articles

A qualitative assessment of barriers to iron and folic acid supplementation among pregnant women in Botswana

BackgroundAntenatal iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation remains an effective strategy in the prevention of maternal anemia and low birthweight and is universally recommended by WHO. However, uptake of IFA has varied globally due to challenges with acceptability, supply and distribution, counselling and knowledge, and access to health services. In Botswana, nearly one-third of pregnant women engaged in antenatal care do not receive IFA, despite it being standard of care. The objectives of this study were to assess knowledge of and barriers and facilitators to IFA supplementation before and during pregnancy.MethodsWe conducted qualitative interviews with two key stakeholder groups at two different levels—the individual level (pregnant women) and the service delivery level (health care providers). Here, we present results from interviews with pregnant women at two representative antenatal clinic sites in Botswana in 2022.ResultsPregnant women were motivated to be healthy and were knowledgeable about the benefits of supplementation during pregnancy to mothers and their infants; however, women knew more about the benefits of iron than folic acid. Most women were in favor of receiving IFA supplementation prior to pregnancy and receiving fortified foods. Several key barriers were identified: lack of supplement availability in the clinics, poverty, side effects, number of tablets, and adherence. Approaches to overcome these barriers included improving supplement availability, improving health education, increasing supply of nutritious and fortified foods, backyard gardens, and increasing family and monetary support.ConclusionsOur study identified a need to 1) increase the availability of supplementation at antenatal clinics and 2) improve education regarding supplementation to include information about the benefits of folic acid and other micronutrients. Implementation research is needed to ascertain whether increasing supply and improving education could increase utilization of supplementation during pregnancy, with the ultimate goal of improving maternal and infant outcomes.

Mapping Rural Household Vulnerability to Flood-Induced Health Risks in Disaster-Stricken Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

This study maps the rural household vulnerability to flood-induced health risks in flood-affected Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan, focusing on the devastating 2022 flood. Using data from 600 households in the severely impacted districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province (including Charsadda and Nowshera), this research examines the influence of demographic, socioeconomic, and infrastructural factors on household vulnerability. This study assesses household vulnerability to flooding and health issues using logistic regression. The current study findings revealed that female-headed households, those with younger heads, and families with lower educational levels are particularly vulnerable. Income disparities significantly shape coping capacity, with wealthier households more likely to adopt effective risk-mitigation strategies. Proximity to functioning healthcare facilities emerged as a crucial factor in reducing vulnerability, as these households faced fewer health hazards. Conversely, households in areas where health and water infrastructure were damaged experienced higher risks of disease outbreaks, including cholera and malaria, due to water contamination and inadequate sanitation. This study highlights the urgent need for resilient infrastructure, strengthened public health systems, improved health education, and enhanced water and sanitation services to mitigate flood-induced health risks. Policymakers are urged to sustainable development practices by adopting gender-sensitive disaster management strategies, prioritizing educational initiatives, and fostering community support networks to enhance resilience to future flood events in KPK.

Health knowledge needs of administrative staff and related influencing factors: a cross-sectional data from Yuxi, China

Lack of health knowledge can be a main cause of barriers to early diagnosis and treatment, and it can also highlight the deficiencies in health education. Therefore, it is essential to understand the health knowledge needs of individuals and the related influencing factors in order to improve health education models. A total of 935 administrative staff (AS) were selected as study participants by convenience sampling in Yuxi City, China. An electronic questionnaire, comprising four parts—Health Knowledge Needs, Sociodemographic Characteristics, Health Psychology and Behavior, and Self-Reported Medical History—were used to collect data. Statistical analysis was conducted using an internal consistency test, Kruskal–Wallis test, principal component analysis, hierarchical clustering analysis, and binary logistic regression analysis, performed with SPSS version 19.0. The Health Knowledge Needs Questionnaire had a Cronbach’s α of 0.883 and a Guttman Split-Half coefficient of 0.907. The need rates for health knowledge exceeding 30% are as follows: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hypertension, Weight Management, Dietary Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hyperlipidemia, Gastrointestinal Diseases, Heart Diseases, and First Aid. Health knowledge needs were summarized into six dimensions: “Diseases with Low Health Knowledge Needs”, “Maternal and Child Health Care and Thyroid Diseases”, “Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases and Malignancies”, “Health Preservation and First Aid”, “The Four Highs Syndrome”, and "Respiratory and Digestive Diseases”. Gender, self-rated economic pressure, family size, and self-reported number of diseases were identified as influencing factors of health knowledge needs (P < 0.05). Thus, precision health education should be conducted according to the health knowledge needs of the target group, and various health knowledge topics should be organically integrated into modular health education to improve its efficiency.

Factors Affecting the Pattern of Health Service Receipt in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus at the Pangirkiran Health Center, Padang Lawas Utara Regency

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a global health problem, with an increasing prevalence rate. In Padang Lawas Utara Regency, especially at the Pangirkiran Health Center, DM sufferers face various obstacles in receiving optimal health services. Objective: The study aims to analyze the factors that affect the pattern of receiving health services for people with diabetes mellitus. Methods: This type of quantitative research with a cross sectional study design was conducted at the Pangirkiran Health Center, Padang Lawas Utara Regency. The population and sample were all 136 patients with diabetes mellate with an exhaustive sampling technique. Data collection using a research questionnaire. The data was processed and analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regression as well as the presentation of data with tables accompanied by explanations. Results: The results of the study prove that knowledge (p=0.007) and socio-cultural (p=0.008) have a significant effect on the pattern of receiving health services for people with diabetes mellitus. The most influential variable is Exp knowledge (B)=4.942. Conclusion: The conclusion was obtained that knowledge factors about diabetes mellitus and socio-culture play a significant role in determining the pattern of health service receipt. Therefore, it is important for the Pangirkiran Health Center to improve health education programs, improve access to services, and involve families in the process of managing diabetes mellitus. This research is expected to provide policy recommendations to improve the quality of health services for people with diabetes mellitus in the region.

DOCTOR-PATIENT COMMUNICATION IN KOSOVO HEALTHCARE SERVICES: A LINGUISTIC CASE STUDY OF DOCTORS’ PERCEPTIONS

This case study examines the perceptions of doctors in Kosovo institutions regarding doctor-patient communication from a linguistic perspective. A sample of doctors participated in the study by completing a questionnaire with 16 items, 14 of which had yes-or-no answers, and 2 of which were open-ended. The study found that doctors generally have a positive perception of doctor-patient communication in Kosovo, but they also face some challenges, including patients' health literacy, administrative issues, and patients' prejudices toward doctors. However, most doctors reported effective communication with their patients by using their names, explaining things in detail, listening to the patient's concerns, and checking for understanding. Patient consultations typically take between 15 to 20 minutes, during which doctors strive to establish a rapport with patients to ensure better treatment outcomes. Although the majority of doctors did not have any complaints about patient communication, some reported issues such as patient impatience, a lack of basic knowledge regarding the patient's health condition, a lack of health education, and resistance from some patients to be honest. These challenges underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve health education in the region. The study highlights the importance of effective communication in the healthcare environment and provides insights into the linguistic aspects of doctor-patient communication in Kosovo healthcare services. It also identifies areas for future research and practice in improving doctor-patient communication, including the development of training programs for healthcare professionals and the implementation of strategies to overcome communication barriers.

Demographic and Clinical Features of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Chad: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Survey.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), caused by the protozoan Leishmania donovani complex, is endemic in many parts of the world. Little known in Chad, VL has been recently documented from previously nonendemic areas. We report an epidemiological investigation of VL in the Léré district hospital in southwestern Chad. After informed consent, 40 VL patients were enrolled in the study. Diagnosis made using the formalin serological test was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction on blood samples. Clinical parameters were obtained from the physician or nurse caregiver, and from patients. Of a total of 40 serology positive patients, L. donovani DNA was found in 33 (82.5%), with 55% being male patients. The most affected age groups were 15-29 (47.5%) and 0-14 (32.5%) years. Fever, weight loss, and pallor were frequent symptoms. Notably, splenomegaly and hepatomegaly were uncommon clinical signs. Common comorbidities included malaria (25%) and hepatitis B (15%), followed by gastric ulcer (10%) and tuberculosis (7.5%). These comorbidities were concurrent with VL and were diagnosed microscopically in blood and serum for malaria and tuberculosis, respectively, and by the rapid diagnostic test using serum for hepatitis B and gastric ulcer. Thirty-five percent of cases were treated with meglumine antimoniate, and three patients (7.5%), all with comorbidities, died. Sixty percent of patients lived close to the main town. Our data demonstrate that VL is endemic in the health district of Léré. Improving health education regarding L. donovani infection in endemic areas of Chad and providing training of health workers on early detection and management of VL are needed to help save lives.

Social Networks as a Tool for Evidence-Based Health Education: Umbrella Review.

The number of people who access social networking sites continues to increase at an exponential rate. The use of technology is an essential skill for nursing professionals and its development represents a challenge in improving health education, promotion and care. The objective of this systematic review is to analyse the use of social networking sites by healthcare professionals as an intervention tool for evidence-based public health education. The protocol of this umbrella review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42023407249). Searches were carried out in MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), and Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews, in February 2023. A narrative synthesis of the results was conducted. 1896 articles were found, of which 15 reviews fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Social networks broadened the profession; they were YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram. The target population was mainly young professionals, and they came across different topic areas that addressed health education. It is important to have information backed by scientific evidence to make health decisions. Health professionals active on social networking sites have a unique opportunity to educate the public about health by sharing scientific evidence in an accessible and clear way, which helps to combat misinformation.

Development of comprehensive sexual education applications to improve adolescent reproductive health

Background: Adolescence is a period of emotional, mental, and physical change. To improve health-seeking behavior, reduce risky sexual behaviors, and increase knowledge about sexual and reproductive health, adolescents need support and access to services. The increasing availability of mobile apps requires a thorough evaluation of the quality and classification of these mobile apps so that accurate and evidence-based information can reach their users. Because smartphones are a private (intimate) technology, they are a promising means of closing this gap. However, research focusing on sexual health promotion programs delivered through smartphones is still rare.Purposes: Developing and testing a smartphone and internet-based comprehensive sex education app.Methods: This study employed Research and Development consisting of 4 stages, namely Literature Study, Development Stage, Validity Expert, and Trial.Result: The SEMAR app has seven features, ranging from mental health education to human relationships. The convenience score is 70%. The results of the trial show that this application effectively improves health education. 50-83% agree to use it. The sex stigma variable has the most extensive r (r=0.955), which means it has a solid and positive relationship.Conclusion: This application benefits adolescents in improving health education and adolescent reproductive health.

The Parental Involvement and Learning Media in Health Education for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects social communication and behavior, requiring specialized approaches for health education. Parental involvement and the type of learning media play a significant role in health education outcomes for children with ASD. This study examines the relationship between parental involvement, learning media (digital vs. traditional), and health education outcomes for children with ASD. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 83 parents of children diagnosed with ASD. Data were collected through structured questionnaires assessing parental involvement and the type of learning media used. Bivariate analysis was performed to examine associations between these variables. Most parents (78.3%) were female, and 55.4% used digital learning media. Children with high parental involvement had significantly higher self-care scores (mean = 7.6, p&lt; 0.01) compared to those with lower involvement (mean = 6.3). Digital media was more effective than traditional media, with children using digital tools showing a 30% increase in health knowledge (p= 0.02). The combination of high parental involvement and digital media use produced the best educational outcomes (mean = 8.1, p = 0.001). High parental involvement and the use of digital learning media are positively associated with better health education outcomes in children with ASD. Interventions targeting increased parental engagement and enhanced access to digital learning media could improve health education for children with ASD.

Balanced Nutrition Education on Overweight Knowledge in Islamic Center Adolescents

Adolescents are a group that is vulnerable to problems with balanced nutrition. Problems that occur during adolescence will continue into adulthood if prevention efforts are not taken. Balanced nutrition education is an alternative to increase and increase knowledge of overweight in adolescents. This study aims to determine the effect of balanced nutrition education on knowledge of overweight in adolescents. The research design uses quasi experiments with a one group pretest-posttest approach. The population in this study was 30 respondents using a total sampling technique. The research results obtained a pre-test score of 2.30 and a post-test of 1.33 with a change (mean difference) of 0.967. There is an influence of balanced nutrition education on knowledge of overweight in adolescents. It is hoped that health service officers in primary basic services will further improve health education for adolescents regarding balanced nutrition education as an effort to prevent overweight in adolescents.

The Associations Between Physical Activity and Mental Health Problems in Middle-aged Indonesians.

Mental health issues have become a growing concern worldwide. Research has shown that regular physical activity (PA) can positively affect mental health. This study investigated the associations between PA and mental health problems (MHPs) in middle-aged Indonesians. The study utilized data from the 2018 Indonesian Basic Health Research Survey and used a cross-sectional approach. The participants included individuals aged 40-60 years who completed the 20-question Self-Reporting Questionnaire. A logistic regression was performed to analyze a sample of 263 930 data points. Nearly 10.4% of the participants suffered from mental health issues. Notably, among those who did not engage in moderate and vigorous PA, a sign of MHPs was found in 12.5% of participants. Those who met World Health Organization standards for PA were less likely to experience MHPs (10.1%). This study found a significant association between PA and mental health. After adjusting for smoking, alcohol consumption, non-communicable diseases, and socio-demographic variables like age, sex, education, occupation, marital status, and residence, the connection between PA and mental health became even stronger (adjusted odds ratio, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.78 to 0.85; p&lt;0.001). Regular PA has been shown to affect mental health positively. Therefore, it is important to improve health education and efforts to raise awareness among middle-aged Indonesians about the importance of PA in maintaining good mental health.

Integrating a Strategic Framework to Improve Health Education in Schools in South Tyrol, Italy.

This narrative review addresses the integration of health education into school curricula in South Tyrol, an Italian province with significant cultural and linguistic diversity. This review's objective is to analyze current health education initiatives and propose a strategic framework to enhance school-based health education, aiming to improve student well-being post-pandemic. The review synthesizes global examples and recent local studies, highlighting the importance of comprehensive teacher training, mindfulness-based interventions, culturally sensitive health education, and community engagement. The key findings indicate that current health education programs in South Tyrol are insufficient to meet immediate public health needs, such as low vaccine uptake and mental health challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed strategic framework seeks to align educational strategies with the diverse needs of South Tyrol's student population, thereby improving health literacy and behavior and strengthening the region's public health infrastructure.

Diabetes specialist nurses' knowledge, skills, and personal attributes for providing competent health education practice, and its influencing factors: A cross-sectional survey

BackgroundThe number of diabetes specialist nurse as well as their knowledge and skills have increased in Gansu Province since 2017. However, China has not fully addressed how to improve their professional skills to deliver effective health education. AimsTo investigate the knowledge, skills, and personal attributes of competent health education practices among diabetes specialist nurses in Gansu Province, western China, and the potential influencing factors. DesignCross-sectional study. MethodsIn total, 178 diabetes specialist nurses from 45 hospitals participated in this study. Data were collected between December 2022 and April 2023 using the Nurse Health Education Competence Instrument (I-CepSE) and a self-report questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including univariate and multiple linear regression analyses, were used to analyze data. ResultsThe mean scores of overall I-CepSE, knowledge, skills, and personal attributes were 218.77 ± 31.65, 77.80 ± 18.27, 103.95 ± 13.75 and 37.02 ± 4.73, respectively. A shortage of nursing staff and heavy workload (81.4 %), lack of cooperation from patients (56.5 %), lack of access to educational resources during work placement (54.2 %), and nurses' lack of knowledge/skills in health education (53.1 %) were common barriers to health education implementation. The regression models for the overall health education competence domain were significant (P < 0.001) with R2 values ranging from 31.9 % to 50.5 %. Education level and years of experience in diabetes-related care were found to be significant on all knowledge, skills, and personal attitude scales (P < 0.05), and age was associated with diabetes specialist nurses' skills and personal attitude scores (P < 0.05). ConclusionDiabetes specialist nurses demonstrated moderate to high levels of health education knowledge, skills, and attitudes. However, they lacked knowledge of pedagogical techniques and resources, with inadequate educational skills. This study suggests that reasonable nursing human resource allocation and continuous education and training are crucial for improving health education competence.

The Effect Of Health Education Using E-Booklets On Medication Adherence In Type II DM Patients

This study aims to evaluate the effect of health education using E-Booklet on adherence to taking medication in type II diabetes mellitus (DM) patients at the Internal Medicine Polyclinic of Mitra Kasih Hospital. This study describes the level of compliance with taking medication before and after the E-Booklet education intervention. The results showed that before education, the majority of patients (83.6%) had low compliance, while after education, the level of low compliance decreased to 61.8%. Statistical analysis showed a significant effect of E-Booklet education on drug compliance with a p value = 0.003 at a significance level of 0.05. This study contributes theoretically to the science of surgical medical nursing and practically for Mitra Kasih Hospital in improving health education about adherence to taking medication in DM patients.

Health system performance assessment and reforms, Oman.

To prioritize key areas of action and investment for the next strategic cycle of national development plans (2026-2031) in Oman, we needed a holistic view of the country's health system and its main deficiencies and inefficiencies. Informed by the World Health Organization framework, our team of seven national health ministry staff and two international experts conducted a rapid health system performance assessment. We used already available data to identify system bottlenecks and their potential root causes, verifying our findings with key informant interviews. Oman's 4.9 million population is relatively young (average age 28years) but ageing, with a mounting burden of chronic diseases. While health-care services are free for Omani nationals, more than 1.5 million expatriates rely on out-of-pocket payments for health-care services. Strengthening primary health care, improving the quality of care, providing financial protection, and ensuring that public and private health-care providers operate within the same legal and procedural framework are recognized as key national priorities. Our assessment highlighted the need to extend health service coverage to the whole population, strengthen private health-care sector governance, improve health education, increase financial investment, and expand the country's capacity for data collection and analysis. The assessment framework allowed us to identify areas where information is lacking and use already available data to analyse multiple health outcomes. As well as identifying issues that need to be addressed during the next policy development cycle, our findings have contributed towards the preparation of a more extensive assessment.

“What you're hearing from all of us is simplify the language”: A focus group study on biomarker testing in oncology.

e13540 Background: In oncology, somatic biomarker testing is increasingly driving treatment decision-making. Exploration of patients’ understanding of, and perspectives on, biomarker testing has been limited, yet these are needed to improve health education and communication about biomarkers. Our objectives were to explore the perspectives of patients with gynecologic cancers on biomarker and genetic testing and to identify factors that influenced their decision-making on testing. Methods: Patients with gynecologic cancer enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania’s Biobank were invited to participate. Of the 82 patients contacted, 7 participated in 3 focus groups in fall 2023. Participants reviewed educational materials (pamphlet, slide set) about biomarker testing based on the Cancer Precision Medicine Commons’ patient education materials, explored understanding and perspectives around biomarker testing, and then discussed barriers and facilitators to testing. Thematic analyses by two researchers were performed using verbatim transcripts. Results: All patients strongly agreed that both genetic and biomarker testing were important after a gynecologic cancer diagnosis and impacted their treatment options. However, patients did not understand what a biomarker was and expressed confusion over terms and testing methods, labeling unknown terms as “jargon.” 85% of participants had received germline genetic testing, and 85% received biomarker testing, with the remaining participants uncertain about testing status. Participants utilized a variety of resources such as the Internet, peer forums, articles on the patient portal, discussions with clinicians, and scientific papers to understand their cancer diagnosis and the role of genetic and biomarker testing. They mentioned fear (i.e., seeing low survival rates for ovarian cancer online as a “death sentence”) and financial circumstances as key barriers to accessing genetic or biomarker testing. Patients desired simple tailored written materials that were relevant from diagnosis to across the disease course. Conclusions: Patients understand the importance of biomarker testing in oncology but reported difficulties understanding existing resources. Current online resources had jargon and induced fear in some participants. Work to develop patient-centered resources on biomarker testing is needed.

Perceptions of yellow fever emergency mass vaccinations among vulnerable groups in Uganda: A qualitative study.

Yellow fever (YF), a mosquito-borne viral hemorrhagic fever, is endemic in Uganda and causes frequent outbreaks. A total of 1.6 million people were vaccinated during emergency mass immunization campaigns in 2011 and 2016. This study explored local perceptions of YF emergency mass immunization among vulnerable groups to inform future vaccination campaigns. In this qualitative study, we conducted 43 semi-structured interviews, 4 focus group discussions, and 10 expert interviews with 76 participants. Data were collected in six affected districts with emergency mass vaccination. We included vulnerable groups (people ≥ 65 years and pregnant women) who are typically excluded from YF vaccination except during mass immunization. Data analysis was conducted using grounded theory. Inductive coding was utilized, progressing through open, axial, and selective coding. Participants relied on community sources for information about the YF mass vaccination. Information was disseminated door-to-door, in community spaces, during religious gatherings, and on the radio. However, most respondents had no knowledge of the vaccine, and it was unclear to them whether a booster dose was required. In addition, the simultaneous presidential election during the mass vaccination campaign led to suspicion and resistance to vaccination. The lack of reliable and trustworthy information and the politicization of vaccination campaigns reinforced mistrust of YF vaccines. People in remote areas affected by YF outbreaks rely on community sources of information. We therefore recommend improving health education, communication, and engagement through respected and trusted community members. Vaccination campaigns can never be seen as detached from political systems and power relations.

Barriers to access to hepatitis C treatment with direct-acting antivirals in people who inject drugs in the community setting

Barriers to access to hepatitis C treatment with direct-acting antivirals in people who inject drugs in the community setting. Qualitative study with prison population. Hepatitis C (HCV) treatments with direct-acting antiviral therapy (DAA) are an easy and effective option among people who inject drugs (PWID). However, difficulties in accessing and monitoring treatment in community services and dropouts on release from prison are detected among PWID. For this reason, the aim of the study is to know the access barriers in the diagnosis and treatment of HCV in community health services. An exploratory qualitative study was carried out through semi-structured interviews with 33 PWID recruited in a pre-trial detention prison in Barcelona. The information obtained was analysed using grounded theory. Among PWID sub-population entering prison, personal barriers are related to intense drug use, lack of interest and ignorance of HCV infection and treatment, as well as being in a situation of social exclusion. In relation to health providers, they reported receiving little information, the existence of language barriers in migrants, not receiving screening and treatment proposals, and having poor interactions with some professionals. Systemic barriers were expressed related to the health system circuit being complicated, perceiving little comprehensive care and lack of community support. It is recommended to intensify prevention and treatment campaigns, promoting drug substitution programmes than current ones, improve health education, make the diagnosis and treatment process more flexible, and promote social policies and holistic care for greater coverage of the needs of PWID.

The impact of internet use on health among older adults in China: a nationally representative study

Background and objectivesAging poses a significant challenge worldwide, with China’s aging status becoming particularly severe. What is the impact of Internet use on the health of the elderly? Existing studies have drawn conflicting conclusions that Internet use improves or harms health. The purpose of this study was to explore how Internet use affects the health of older adults, and the mechanisms and heterogeneity of these effects.Research design and methodsBased on Grossman’s theory, this paper constructs a health production function model. Using the data of China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) from 2014 to 2020, we investigated the impact of Internet use on the health of older adults using fixed effect model and instrumental variable method. We also examined the mediating role of health information acquisition, lifestyle, and social interaction in these associations.ResultsInternet use is positively associated with self-rated health and negatively associated with psychological sub-health level. Internet use promotes the health of older adults by facilitating access to health information, healthy lifestyles, and enhancing social interaction. And the impacts are heterogeneous at the individual and regional levels.Discussion and implicationsWe should progressively enhance the level of internet accessibility for older adults, while concurrently addressing and narrowing the ‘digital divide’. By generating an abundance of superior health-related information, we can significantly improve health education tailored for the elderly. Additionally, it is crucial to offer extensive training opportunities designed to equip older adults with the necessary skills to proficiently navigate the internet.

Enhancing the Level of Awareness on Healthy Lifestyles among Seventh-Grade Students

This study investigates the level of knowledge on healthy lifestyles among seventh-grade students at a public junior school in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Utilizing quantitative descriptive research, data was collected through a questionnaire administered to 64 students. Analysis revealed a varied distribution of knowledge levels, with 53.1% demonstrating sufficient understanding, and 9.4% exhibiting limited knowledge. The findings underscore the importance of improving health education to empower students to make informed decisions. Collaborative efforts with Community Health Centers and implementation of healthy living initiatives are recommended to enhance students' health literacy and promote healthier lifestyles. These findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on enhancing health education among youth, with implications for promoting well-being and positive health outcomes.