None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Physical inactivity among adolescents is a growing public health concern, linked to increased risk of non-communicable diseases and reduced psychosocial well-being. In Nepal, structured interventions to promote physical activity intention remain limited, despite adolescence being a critical stage for establishing lifelong health behaviors. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the primary aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of a school-based educational intervention in enhancing adolescents’ intention to engage in physical activity. This study adopts a quasi-experimental design in selected secondary schools of Panauti Municipality, Nepal. Schools were pre-allocated into intervention and control groups. The intervention package consist of structured classroom sessions based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. The first session delivered immediately after baseline data collection, and the second session three weeks later. Post-test data collection is scheduled six weeks after baseline.Each session will employ audio-visual aids, group discussions, and demonstrations to operationalize constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior, specifically attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. A total of 212 adolescents were enrolled (105 in the intervention group and 107 in the control group). A structured TPB-based questionnaire is administered at both baseline and enplane to measure intention toward physical activity. Ethical approval was obtained from the Pokhara University- Institutional Review Committee. Written informed consent was taken directly from adolescent participants, and permission to conduct the program was granted by the school principal.
Interventions
The intervention is a structured, school-based educational program grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior framework and delivered through interactive sessions. It consists of two sessions: the first conducted immediately after baseline data collection and the second delivered three weeks later as a reinforcement, both aimed at enhancing adolescent's intention to engage in physical activity. Sessions are conducted during regular school hours in designated classrooms and demonstration in playg
The intervention is a structured, school-based educational program grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior framework and delivered through interactive sessions. It consists of two sessions: the first conducted immediately after baseline data collection and the second delivered three weeks later as a reinforcement, both aimed at enhancing adolescent's intention to engage in physical activity. Sessions are conducted during regular school hours in designated classrooms and demonstration in playground, hall (a large public room), with content tailored to adolescents’ age and local context. Content Delivered in the Session: The intervention consist of two structured sessions: a 30 minute theoretical Intervention (Classroom sessions) and 25 minute practical session. Each session involves approximately 20-25 students, delivered by the researcher with support from 1-2 school teachers. The classroom session was delivered through powerpoint presentations with lectures, interactive discussions, and quizzes to reinforce learning. It includes: -Introduction, importance and types of physical activity (aerobic, strength, flexibility balance. -Risk of inactivity including obesity, poor fitness and non-communicable diseases. -Energy balance and the FITT (Frequency, Intensity, Time and Type) principle for planning exercise. -WHO recommendation for adolescents and strategies to reduce sedentary behavior -Benefits of regular exercise, monitoring indicators (BMI, Blood Pressure, Waist-to-height ratio) and strategies for goal-setting. -Motivational strategies including use of role-model to inspire adolescents and reinforce positive attitude toward active lifestyles. -Attitude, Subjective Norms, Perceived Behavior Control and Intention formation were emphasized through examples, group dialogue and culturally relevant illustrations. Practical Intervention (Playground/Hall session): Conducted immediately after the classroom session to translate theory into practice. Activities included: -Warm-ups, push-ups, jumping jacks, and light-to-vigorous intensity exercise. -Peer-based challenges and competitions among participants to enhance engagement, motivation, and confidence. Allocation method: This was a non-randomized trial. Allocation was determined at the school level: out of five participating schools, one school was designated as the intervention site, where all eligible students received the structural educational program, while the remaining four schools served as control sites. The intervention school was selected based on its larger student population and feasibility of program delivery. Attendance was ensured through coordination with school teachers, while the researcher implemented and supervised the sessions to make sure the program ran smoothly.
Sponsors
Roshan Thapa - Pokhara University
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Primary purpose
Educational / counselling / training
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
15 Years to 23 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Adolescents enrolled in grade 11 and 12 of selected secondary schools in Panauti Municipality.
Exclusion criteria
Adolescents with medical conditions, chronic illnesses, or physical disabilities that prevent participation in physical activity programs, as identified by school records or parental report. Students who are absent during baseline data collection. Participants who have participated in the similar awareness program recently.
Outcome results
None listed