Effect of Educational Booklet and Lecture on Nutritional Behavior, Knowledge and Attitude on Third-Grade Male Guidance School Students

Introduction: Most inappropriate healthy behaviors originate in the experience of childhood and adolescence, and healthy nutrition during maturity period plays an effective role in the human growth and health. Materials and Methods: In this semi experimental study, the effect of various educational methods on nutritional knowledge, attitude and behaviors of guidance school students in Qom city was evaluated in the period of 2011-12 and compared by using a four-part questionnaire (demographic, knowledge, attitude and behavior characteristics). Three schools were selected by cluster sampling method and from each school, 110 students were randomly grouped (330 students) to control, booklet and lecture groups. Firstly, the questionnaires were completed by students as a pretest and then nutritional educational program was performed for three groups in three sessions; and three months later the same questionnaires were used. Results: Interventions caused a significant increase in the mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and behavior of two experimental groups (P < 0.05) although this difference was not statistically significant in control group (p > 0.05). The mean differences of knowledge and attitude sections in lecture group were more statistically significant than booklet group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Both educational methods increased the level of nutritional knowledge, attitude, and behaviors of students and it was more significant in lecture group. Collectively, the results of this study demonstrated positive effects of educational health programs on promotion of nutritional knowledge, attitude, and behaviors of students. Therefore, it is necessary to consider educational programs in order to improve nutritional behavior.