Effect of Behavioural Nutritional Intervention on Dietary Practices among School going Adolescents of District Etawah A Quasi Experimental Study

Adolescence is a critical period for the development of lifelong dietary behaviours. Unhealthy eating practices such as skipping meals frequent consumption of junk food and low intake of fruits and vegetables are increasingly observed among school-going adolescents in India contributing to malnutrition and risk of non-communicable diseases. This quasi-experimental study aims to evaluate the effect of a behavioural nutritional intervention on dietary knowledge and practices among school going adolescents of District Etawah, Uttar Pradesh. A total of 408 adolescents aged 10–19 years will be selected using multistage sampling from government and private schools in urban and rural areas. Baseline assessment of dietary knowledge and practices will be conducted using a structured questionnaire followed by a 12-week behavioural nutritional intervention comprising weekly interactive sessions supported by educational materials. Post-intervention assessment will be carried out using the same tool. The study will assess changes in dietary knowledge and practices and identify factors influencing eating behaviour. Findings are expected to provide evidence for the effectiveness of school-based behavioural nutritional interventions in improving adolescent dietary practices.