The effect of nutritional education intervention on knowledge and fat consumption among students at Maragheh University of medical sciences

Document Type : Original article

Authors

1 Department of Nutrition, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran

2 Student Research Committee, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran

3 Department of Health, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran

10.22038/rcm.2026.90869.1560

Abstract

Introduction: Healthy nutrition is the main aspect of obesity prevention and management. Lack of nutrition knowledge is one of the leading causes of unhealthy food choices. In this regard, nutritional education interventions can be a noteworthy approach in boosting students’ dietary habits. The objective of the current study was to assess the effect of a nutritional education intervention on knowledge, fat intake, anthropometric indices and dietary intake among students.
Methods: This randomized controlled study was carried out on a sample of 68 university students aged 18-26 years, in Maragheh University of Medical Sciences. Demographic characteristics, anthropometric indices, dietary intake, physical activity levels, and nutritional knowledge, were collected via face-to-face. The nutritional education intervention consisted of four on-site sessions education applied by two independent PhD-level nutritionists. Following the intervention, the nutritional knowledge questionnaire was re-administered to all participants.
Results: Based on body mass index, the majority of students were classified as having normal or being overweight. The mean dietary macronutrient distribution was 57% carbohydrate, 13.81% protein, and 31.65% fat. The findings showed no statistically significant change in knowledge score before and after the intervention. Also, no significant associations were observed between changes in nutritional knowledge score and demographic characteristics and anthropometric indices, or fat intake when comparing the two groups (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Given the findings that students exhibited adequate nutritional knowledge and acceptable fat intake levels, yet a moderate prevalence of overweight persisted, future studies should focus on bridging the gap between knowledge and practice through targeted behavioral interventions.

Keywords

Reviews in Clinical Medicine
Volume 13, Issue 1
Volume 13, Issue 1, March 2026
May 2026
Pages 34-40

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