SCHOOL GARDEN PROGRAMS AND NUTRITIONAL KNOWLEDGE IMPACT ON ADOLESCENT EATING HABITS IN RURAL PUNJAB

Vaneeza  Iftikhar; Nageena Ghafoor

Authors

Vaneeza Iftikhar The University of Faisalabad, Pakistan. Author
Nageena Ghafoor Dr. Yahya Institute of Medical Science, Layyah, Pakistan. Author

Keywords:

Adolescent Health, Diet Diversity, Eating Behavior, Nutrition Education, Rural Population, School Health Services, Students

Abstract

Background: Adolescents in rural regions frequently experience limited dietary diversity and high intake of low-nutrient processed foods. School garden programs, combined with nutritional education, offer an experiential approach that may strengthen healthy eating behaviours by enhancing knowledge and exposure to fresh produce.

Objective: To assess whether integrating hands-on school gardening with structured nutrition education improves dietary diversity and reduces junk food consumption among adolescents in rural Punjab.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted among 194 adolescents aged 11–15 years in government schools of South Punjab. Participants were allocated into intervention and control groups in equal numbers. The intervention group received twice-weekly gardening sessions and weekly nutrition education for 12 weeks, while the control group continued routine activities. Dietary diversity was measured using a standardized 24-hour Dietary Diversity Score, and junk food intake was assessed with a validated consumption frequency tool. Data were analyzed using paired and independent sample t-tests, and chi-square tests for categorical outcomes.

Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable across groups. The intervention group showed an increase in mean dietary diversity from 4.2 to 6.1, while the control group increased from 4.1 to 4.4. Weekly junk food servings decreased from 9.8 to 5.2 in the intervention group compared with a reduction from 10.1 to 9.3 in the control group. Between-group differences at post-intervention were statistically significant for both dietary diversity and junk food consumption.

Conclusion: The integration of school gardening with nutrition education produced meaningful improvements in adolescent dietary behaviours. This approach demonstrates practical potential as a sustainable school-based strategy to enhance nutrition in resource-limited rural settings.

Author Biographies

Vaneeza Iftikhar, The University of Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Student of Bachelor in Dietetics and Nutrition, The University of Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Nageena Ghafoor, Dr. Yahya Institute of Medical Science, Layyah, Pakistan.

Senior Lecturer, Dr. Yahya Institute of Medical Science, Layyah, Pakistan.

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