A SCHOOL-BASED, NURSE-LED STUDY TO DETERMINE THE IMPACT OF A COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAM ON OBESITY-ASSOCIATED METABOLIC RISK FACTORS AND HEALTH-RELATED BEHAVIORS AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN SELECTED SCHOOLS OF PUNJAB

Abstract

Background: Adolescent obesity is a major public health concern associated with increased metabolic risk factors and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023; Gupta et al., 2012). School-based interventions led by nurses may play a crucial role in prevention and management. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive nurse-led health promotion program on obesity-related metabolic risk indicators and health-related behaviors among adolescents in selected schools of Madhya Pradesh. Methods: A pre-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design was used. Fifty adolescents aged 13–17 years were selected through purposive sampling. Baseline data on Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and health-related behaviors were collected using standardized tools. A 12-week nurse-led intervention comprising nutrition education, structured physical activity, behavioral counselling, and parental involvement was implemented. Post-intervention assessments were conducted using the same tools. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-tests. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Paired t-test analysis showed statistically significant reductions in BMI (p < 0.001), waist circumference (p < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (p < 0.01), and fasting blood glucose (p < 0.01). Significant improvements were also observed in physical activity levels, dietary practices, and reduction in sedentary behavior (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The nurse-led comprehensive health promotion program significantly improved metabolic risk indicators and health-related behaviors among adolescents. School-based nurse-led interventions can serve as an effective strategy to combat adolescent obesity.