Asian Pacific Journal of Nursing

FFECTIVENESS OF STRUCTURED TEACHING PROGRAMME ON LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE REGARDING HEALTH HAZARD OF JUNK FOODS AMONG ADOLESCENTS AT GOVT HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL VILLAPAKKAM, ARCOT

Gnanadeepa J, Jaya Bharathi A, Archana V

archanavelu12@gmail.com

Junk food, Adolescents, Structured teaching programme, Health hazards, Knowledge, School health education.

Junk food consumption among adolescents is increasing due to taste, easy access, and media influence. These foods lack essential nutrients and lead to serious health issues like obesity and heart disease. Many adolescents are unaware of these long-term health hazard. Schools play a key role in educating students about healthy eating. This study evaluates the effectiveness of structured teaching programme to improve adolescents’ knowledge on the risk of junk food. Aim: The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of structured teaching programme in improving the knowledge of adolescents regarding the health hazard of junk foods at Government Higher Secondary School, Villapakkam, Arcot. Methods: A preexperimental one-group pre-test and post-test design was used. A total of 40 adolescents from Government Higher Secondary School, Villapakkam, Arcot were selected through purposive sampling. A structured knowledge questionnaire was used to assess participants’ knowledge before and after the teaching programme. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The study revealed that the mean post-test knowledge score was significantly higher than the pre-test score, indicating an improvement in knowledge after the intervention. The findings revealed that prior to the intervention, a majority of students had inadequate (50%) to moderate (40%) knowledge, and only 10% had adequate knowledge about the health risks associated with junk food consumption. There was a marked improvement in knowledge levels, with 87.5% of students achieving adequate knowledge and only 12.5% remaining in the moderate category. The mean knowledge score increased significantly from 9.6 (pre-test) to 18.7 (post-test), and the difference was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that structured teaching programme is effective tools in improving adolescents’ knowledge regarding the harmful effects of junk food. Such educational interventions can play a crucial role in promoting healthy eating habits among school students