Palestinian Medical and Pharmaceutical Journal (Pal. Med. Pharm. J.)

Article info

In Press

Keywords

• Jordan
• Children
• Obesity
• Awareness
• Nursing

Abstract

Childhood obesity is a growing global public health challenge, contributing to serious health risks. In Jordan, the increasing prevalence of obesity among school-aged children highlights the urgent need for effective interventions. This study evaluated the effectiveness of nursing-based interventions, including coaching sessions and health behavior classes, in improving awareness of obesity-related health issues among children aged 6 to 12 years and their parents. Using a quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design, 90 obese schoolchildren and their parents were recruited from community healthcare centers in Amman. The intervention, conducted over three months, aimed to enhance knowledge and promote healthier behaviors. Outcomes were measured using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) to assess quality of life and the School Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) questionnaire to evaluate obesity-related knowledge. Results indicated significant improvements in all PedsQL domains, with Physical Health scores increasing from a mean of 33.88 (SD = 3.6) pre-intervention to 86.48 (SD = 8.4) post-intervention (p = 0.03). Additionally, awareness of physical activity, dietary habits, and sedentary risks significantly improved among children and parents. These findings highlight the intervention’s effectiveness in fostering positive health outcomes and enhancing awareness. The study underscores the importance of integrated nursing-led educational approaches in combating childhood obesity and promoting long-term health and well-being.

معلومات المقال

قيد النشر

الكلمات الإفتتاحية

• Jordan
• Children
• Obesity
• Awareness
• Nursing

الملخص

Childhood obesity is a growing global public health challenge, contributing to serious health risks. In Jordan, the increasing prevalence of obesity among school-aged children highlights the urgent need for effective interventions. This study evaluated the effectiveness of nursing-based interventions, including coaching sessions and health behavior classes, in improving awareness of obesity-related health issues among children aged 6 to 12 years and their parents. Using a quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design, 90 obese schoolchildren and their parents were recruited from community healthcare centers in Amman. The intervention, conducted over three months, aimed to enhance knowledge and promote healthier behaviors. Outcomes were measured using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) to assess quality of life and the School Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) questionnaire to evaluate obesity-related knowledge. Results indicated significant improvements in all PedsQL domains, with Physical Health scores increasing from a mean of 33.88 (SD = 3.6) pre-intervention to 86.48 (SD = 8.4) post-intervention (p = 0.03). Additionally, awareness of physical activity, dietary habits, and sedentary risks significantly improved among children and parents. These findings highlight the intervention’s effectiveness in fostering positive health outcomes and enhancing awareness. The study underscores the importance of integrated nursing-led educational approaches in combating childhood obesity and promoting long-term health and well-being.