Impact of a nutrition education intervention on nutrition-related self-efficacy and locus of control among women in Lesotho
Loading...
Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Frontiers
Abstract
Introduction: Lesotho is one of the poorest countries in the world with high
levels of food insecurity and malnutrition. The aim was to evaluate the impact of
a nutrition education intervention informed by self-e cacy and locus of control
theories among women in Lesotho.
Methods: A randomized pre-test-post-test design was adopted to implement a
systematically designed nutrition education intervention in women from Maseru
and Berea districts in Lesotho. Women from selected villages were randomly
assigned to comparison and intervention groups. Baseline and post assessments
were conducted before, and 6 months after the intervention. Nutrition-related
self-e cacy and locus of control were assessed using a semi-structured
knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices (KABP) questionnaire.
Results: At baseline, 444 women aged 19–60 years were included. After the
intervention, 259 women in the comparison (n = 105) and intervention groups
(n = 154) were interviewed. Self-e cacy beliefs that improved significantly in
the intervention group but not in the comparison group included increased
confidence that they could eat a healthy diet every day [95% CI for the percentage
dierence (61.5; 76.7)]; an improved ability to secure several healthy foods in
the home; increased confidence in engaging in physical activity [95% CI (29.5;
46.6)]; reducing the amount of salt they used in food [95% CI (2.1; 14.0)]; and
compiling a budget for food purchases [95% CI (56.1; 72.1)]. Regarding locus of
control, the belief in a personal capacity to take charge of one’s health through
the production and consumption of healthy food improved in the intervention
group [95% CI (12.4; 25.0)] but not in the comparison group [95% CI (15.9; 0.4)].
At follow-up, a significantly larger percentage of participants in the intervention
group also believed that they could take control of their health and that they could
prevent some illnesses by the food they eat.
Conclusion: A nutrition education intervention that is systematically planned and
framed on selected theories of health behavior improved nutrition-related beliefs
in self-e cacy and locus of control.