Impact of food and nutrition literacy on knowledge, attitude and practices among adults with hypertension in Jalgaon, Maharashtra

Zoya Shaikh; Panchali Moitra

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20263622

Authors

Zoya Shaikh Department of Postgraduate Programs and Research, SVT College of Home Science, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Panchali Moitra Department of Postgraduate Programs and Research, SVT College of Home Science, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20263622

Keywords:

Attitude, Blood pressure, Dietary behaviour change, Food and nutrition literacy, Hypertension, Knowledge, Low socioeconomic status, Practice

Abstract

Background: Hypertension affects 28-30% of Indian adults, yet fewer than 9% achieve adequate blood pressure control. Low-socioeconomic-status (SES) adults face barriers including limited food and nutrition literacy, food insecurity, poor dietary practices. This study evaluated the impact of a six-week food and nutrition literacy intervention on knowledge, attitude, practice (KAP) outcomes and clinical parameters among low-SES adults with hypertension in Jalgaon, Maharashtra.

Methods: A pre-post intervention study was conducted among 80 low-SES adults with hypertension attending the OPD of a multispecialty hospital in Jalgaon. Six educational sessions were delivered over five weeks using a Hindi flipbook, illustrated posters, and locally relevant recipe cards, reinforced through WhatsApp reminders. KAP was assessed using knowledge and attitude questionnaires, a food frequency questionnaire, and healthy habits practice scale. SBP, DBP, and body weight were measured at baseline and post-intervention. Appropriate statistical tests were applied.

Results: Significant improvements were observed in knowledge (median 11.0 to 13.0, p<0.001), attitude (46.5 to 47.5, p<0.001), and multiple dietary practice indicators. Significant reductions occurred in SBP (144.5 to 140.5 mmHg), DBP (85.0 to 83.5 mmHg), and body weight (74.0 to 73.0 kg; all p<0.001).

Conclusions: A structured, culturally adapted food and nutrition literacy intervention significantly improved KAP and clinical outcomes among low-SES hypertensive adults. This feasible, low-cost model may be replicated in hypertension management programmes.

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