Students’ knowledge of metabolic syndrome after educational intervention

• Main Authors: Ramiro Marx Alves Cortez, Ana Míria de Oliveira Batista, Mariana Rodrigues da Rocha, Isa Moema de Sales Santos, Jayne Ramos Araújo Moura, Ana Roberta Vilarouca da Silva
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Associação Brasileira de Enfermagem
• Series: Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem
• Subjects: Síndrome Metabólica; Educação em Saúde; Adolescente; Promoção da Saúde; Fatores de Risco
• Online Access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0034-71672018001001493&lng=en&tlng=en

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the knowledge of children and adolescents about risk factors for metabolic syndrome (MS) before and after educational interventions. Method: A quasi-experimental, comparative, prospective and intervention study conducted in 2015 and 2016 with 43 students in the city of Picos (state of Piauí-PI). Five health education meetings were held. For the knowledge analysis, was applied a questionnaire at three different moments. Results: Participants’ mean age was 12.6 years (± 2.1), of which 60.5% were female. The ‘More than good’ level of knowledge went from 20.9% to 55.8% after interventions. When evaluated late, students maintained a higher level of knowledge compared to before the interventions. Most said they were able to change their lifestyle after educational meetings. Conclusion: The educational intervention promoted increase of knowledge and stimulated changes in attitudes related to risk factors associated with MS.