Publication Date

2024

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Muzaffar, Henna

Second Advisor

Duffrin, Melani

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

School of Health Studies

Abstract

Understanding food, nutrition, and physical activity is essential for everyone, and is important to learn from a young age to foster healthy, lifelong habits. Research indicates that 50% of adolescents do not consume the right amount of fruit, vegetables, or protein, and often consume excessive amounts of fats and sugar. Coincidentally, type 2 diabetes and other non-communicable diseases are on the rise, which can be improved through modifiable health determinants. The purpose of this study is to provide insight into innovative ways to teach adolescents about food, nutrition, and the importance of physical activity. An exploratory pilot study was selected as the research method for this study to inform future experimental design. There was a total of 24 students, split into two cohorts, who were involved in a four-day curriculum that was developed using brain-based learning methods along with a unique teach-back method where students made educational videos about what they learned. A pre and post-survey collected data using twenty-five Likert scale items (5-point scale: 1=Strongly Agree, 5=Strongly Do Not Agree), including three open-ended questions to assess attitudes about food, nutrition, physical activity, and influencing others' health habits through the use of TikTok-like videos. Given the small sample size of the population utilized for this pilot study, all data was presented in descriptive form only. Study survey results were analyzed using Statical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 29.0. The study was approved by the Northern Illinois University Institutional Review Board. The results of this study were modest, but they indicated positive trends, with half of the survey questions showing improved responses along with positive qualitative outcomes about food, nutrition, and physical activity. However, challenges arose in maintaining enthusiasm for creating and sharing short, educational videos. Although the brain-based learning approach effectively captured students’ attention, further research is needed to refine both the curriculum and survey instruments to enhance food and nutrition literacy among adolescents.

Extent

170 pages

Language

en

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

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Text

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