Improving Nutrition Education and Physical Fitness in High School Through a Community-Based Haheho Apps Intervention

Abstract

With the rise of sedentary lifestyles post-COVID-19 pandemic and the adverse effects of handphone use and unhealthy eating habits among high school students, teachers and staff, there is an urgent need for innovative interventions that promote nutrition education and physical activity. So far, several conventional approaches have not shown significant results. This study addresses the need for school communities to initiate active and healthy lifestyle changes by utilizing mobile technology through a school community-based Haheho Apps intervention. Methods: Experimental study with one group pretest-posttest design involving 256 students aged 15-18. 21 teachers and school staff aged 30-58 years old, participants will receive access to community-based Haheho Apps for 8 Weeks focusing on nutrition education and physical activity. Student, teacher and school staff groups receive age-appropriate materials and physical activities. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will measure changes in nutrition knowledge, BMI, and physical fitness. 277 participants consisting of students, teachers, and school staff took the pretest and posttest; participants showed improved nutrition knowledge, BMI, and physical fitness. Statistically significant decreases and increases were recorded overall: a significant reduction in BMI of 42% in the obese group, an increase in BMI of 33% in the less-than-ideal group, and 25% had no change. The Haheho Apps intervention based on the school community is efficacious in improving school community members' knowledge, BMI, and physical fitness.

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Author Information
Ropik Hidayat, University of Semarang, Indonesia
Syahrizal Islam, University of Semarang, Indonesia
Heny Setiawaty, University of Semarang, Indonesia
Siti Baitul Mukarromah, University of Semarang, Indonesia
Hermawan Pamot Rahardjo, University of Semarang, Indonesia