Evaluation of healthy eating and school health strategies in Daniel Hernández school, Pampas-Huancavelica
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Healthy eating is a key determinant of physical, mental, and social well-being, particularly during adolescence, when dietary habits become consolidated and strongly influence cognitive and academic development. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and dietary practices of students in the fourth and fifth grades at the Emblematic Boys’ School “Daniel Hernández”, located in Pampas, Huancavelica (Peru), and to propose strategies to promote healthy eating within the school context. The research followed a quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive–comparative design. Pre- and post-surveys were administered to 111 students to diagnose their level of nutritional awareness and identify the main factors influencing their eating behaviors. Results showed that 38.39% of participants demonstrated adequate knowledge about healthy eating, whereas 29.46% exhibited limited understanding of basic nutritional concepts. The implementation of educational activities and school health programs fostered positive changes in students’ attitudes toward balanced diets. The SWOT analysis identified key strengths, such as growing awareness of health and nutrition, and opportunities, including student interest and institutional collaboration; however, weaknesses like insufficient nutritional information and threats such as exposure to aggressive marketing of ultra-processed foods remain critical barriers. It is concluded that strengthening nutrition education through interactive workshops, practical training, and the establishment of school gardens can significantly improve students’ health behaviors and academic performance, contributing to sustainable and health-oriented lifestyles among Andean school populations.
Source: Llamkasun
Language: English
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7202361635