The Role of Adolescent Knowledge and Perception of Balanced Nutrition as An Early Strategy for Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Quality of Life Improvement
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37287/picnhs.v7i1.1626Keywords:
balanced nutrition, adolescents, non-communicable diseases, quality of life, preventionAbstract
Adolescents are a vulnerable age group undergoing dietary and lifestyle changes that may increase the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in adulthood. Knowledge and perceptions of balanced nutrition play an important role in shaping healthy eating behaviors as an early strategy for NCD prevention and quality of life improvement. This study aimed to analyze adolescents’ knowledge and perceptions of balanced nutrition and their role in early NCD prevention and quality of life enhancement. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 290 male and female adolescents in Pekanbaru City, Riau Province, Indonesia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering the definition of balanced nutrition, macronutrients, the benefits of balanced nutrition for health and academic performance, the role of nutrients in skin health, and adolescents’ perceptions of the influence of diet on health and physical appearance. descriptive analysis was used to summarize respondents’ knowledge and perceptions. Most respondents were approximately 13 years old (51.7%), with males (42.1%) and females (57.9%). The majority of adolescents demonstrated good knowledge (87.24%) regarding the basic concepts of balanced nutrition, including its benefits for body function, immunity, academic performance, and skin health. Most respondents also perceived that healthy dietary patterns influence physical appearance and overall health quality. However, challenges in applying balanced nutrition remain, such as limited access to healthy foods, frequent consumption of foods high in sugar and fat, and low fruit and vegetable intake. Adolescents’ knowledge and perceptions of balanced nutrition play a crucial role as an early strategy for NCD prevention and quality of life improvement. Continuous and context-based nutrition education is needed to support healthy eating behaviors during adolescence.
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