A recent study has highlighted the significant benefits of health literacy and motivational interviewing in promoting healthier lifestyles among adolescents. Conducted with students aged 14–15 in Turkey, the research demonstrated that integrating health literacy with motivational interviewing and structured health education can effectively improve diet and exercise habits. The findings were published in the journal Public Health.
The study involved 63 adolescents, divided into three groups: a motivational interviewing group, a health education group, and a control group. Each group was assessed at various intervals – initially, at six weeks post-intervention, and again at three and six months. Those in the motivational interviewing and health education groups showed marked improvements in nutrition and exercise compared to the control group, which received no intervention beyond standard health curriculum content.
Motivational interviewing, a technique rooted in psychology, was used to encourage the adolescents to make positive changes in their health behaviours. Through reflective discussions and goal setting, students learned to take responsibility for their health choices. The study’s results suggest that adolescents benefitted not only in terms of immediate behaviour changes but also showed sustained improvements over time, indicating the potential for lasting impact.
Health education sessions focused on conveying practical information about nutrition and exercise, aiming to bolster students’ knowledge and ability to apply what they learned. Delivered in a group setting with presentations, discussions, and activities, this approach empowered students with actionable insights for healthier living. Adolescents in both the health education and motivational interviewing groups achieved higher self-efficacy scores, reflecting their increased confidence in making informed health choices.
The research underscores the importance of fostering health literacy early, as these skills empower young people to make healthier choices independently. For schools and health professionals, this study suggests that combining health literacy with motivational support may be particularly effective in addressing the persistent issues of poor nutrition and physical inactivity in adolescents.
This article was written by Psychreg News Team from www.psychreg.org
Source link
