Differential Effectiveness of Lifestyle Modification and Nutrition Education in Enhancing Nutritional Knowledge and Healthy Eating Practices Among Pupils, Nigeria

The eating patterns of children in the last few decades along with the general population have changed. The population now consume a greater amounts of high-fat, high-salt, and high-sugar foods which have constituted numerous health challenges. This study examined the differential effectiveness of nutrition education and life modification intervention on healthy eating practices among primary school pupils in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria.

A sample of 240 primary 5 and 6 pupils from 3 primary schools were randomly selected from three public primary schools in Ikenne LGA of Ogun State, Nigeria. One standardized instrument was used in collecting data while analysis of covariance statistical method was used to analyze the generated data.

Results showed a significant differential effectiveness of lifestyle modification (LM), nutrition education (NE) and when combined as a treatment (LM/NE) enhanced participants’ nutritional knowledge and healthy eating behaviour. The study also revealed that female pupils in all the three groups benefited more compared to their male counterparts after treatment.

This study concluded that the treatment programmes are veritable tools in enhancing the knowledge of personal food intake and this knowledge will increase the individuals' potential and decisions to continue to utilize nutrition information in the choice of daily food and monitoring salt and sugar intake to prevent diet-related illness. Therefore, enhancing healthy living among the citizens.