The effect of health literacy based web-based education on nutrition and exercise behaviors in adolescent period

The research was conducted as a randomized controlled design with paralel group in order to determine the effect of health literacy-based web-supported education program given to adolescents on nutrition and exercise behaviors. The population of the research consisted of sixth and seventh grade students studying in a secondary school. The study was completed with 114 adolescents (intervention: 42, control: 72). Personal information form, Health Literacy Scale for School-Age Children and Adolescent Health Promotion Scale were used to collect data. In the intervention group, four modules based on health literacy and theoretical knowledge were applied for 6 weeks, and two modules aimed at reinforcing theoretical knowledge and applying nutrition and exercise behaviors were applied for 4 weeks. Web-supported education program, which consists of six modules in total, which improves health literacy, nutrition and exercise behaviors, was implemented.There was no statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups in terms of health literacy level, nutrition and exercise behaviors pre-test mean scores. In the post test, it was determined that the mean scores of health literacy and nutrition behaviors of intervention group were higher than the control group, however, there was no significant difference in exercise behaviors. The study concluded that health literacy-based web-supported education increased the health literacy levels of adolescents and improved their nutritional behaviors, however there was no sufficiently change in exercise behaviors. It is recommended to provide web supported education based on health literacy, in order to provide adolescents with healthy behaviors such as healthy nutrition and adequate physical activity. In this context, it is important for school nurses to lead by using the roles of educator, consultant and researcher.