Improving Children’s Lifestyle and Quality of Life through Synchronous Online Education: The Nutritional Adventures School-Based Program
2023
Dimitrios V. Diamantis | Almog Shalit | Konstantinos Katsas | Evangelia Zioga | Dina Zota | Christina Maria Kastorini | Afroditi Veloudaki | Matina Kouvari | Athena Linos
The early introduction of effective nutritional educational programs is pivotal for instilling sustainable healthy behaviors. The present work aims to present a best practice example of a nutrition and overall lifestyle school-based training program, the Nutritional Adventures (&ldquo:Diatrofoperipeteies&rdquo:). Conducted during 2020&ndash:2022 in Greek primary schools, this synchronous, online educational initiative included two 1-school-hour activities with a nutrition instructor. Additionally, schools were randomly assigned to supplementary &ldquo:at-home&rdquo: supported-by-parents or &ldquo:in-class&rdquo: supported-by-educators educational activities. In total, n = 12,451 students of 84 primary schools participated. Parent-completed questionnaires were selected in the recruitment and post-intervention phase (40% participation rate): overall, the working sample was n = 1487 students. In the post-intervention phase, a significant increase in Mediterranean diet adherence was observed (KIDMED score: mean increment = 0.25 units: p <: 0.001), particularly fruit and vegetable consumption. Time spent on physical activity increased, while screen time decreased. Students&rsquo: total quality of life significantly improved (PedsQL: mean increment = 1.35 units: p <: 0.001), including on all of its subscales (physical, emotional, social, and school function). Supplementary educational activities that were supported by educators rather than parents yielded a more favorable impact on students&rsquo: lifestyle and quality of life. The Nutritional Adventures program can be regarded as a successful initiative in primary schools, yielding immediate advantages that extend beyond promoting healthy dietary habits.
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