Impact Of Nurse-Led Interventions On Body Image And Health-Promoting Lifestyle Behaviors Among Young Adults: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Young adulthood, generally ranging ages 19 to 24, is a vital phase characterized by rapid physical, emotional, and social transformations.  During this time, individuals often experience increased stress related to academic demands, social identities, and health-related activities.  This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a nurse-led intervention on body image perception and health-promoting lifestyle behaviors in young adult females.  A quasi-experimental design, comprising pre- and post-test evaluations, was conducted over four weeks at a college in Chennai, involving 60 participants aged 19 to 24 years.  The sample was evenly divided between experimental and control groups.  The experimental group underwent a nurse-led intervention that included organized education, dietary counselling, and physical activity sessions, whereas the control group received usual care.  Data were gathered utilizing the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-34) and the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II).  The results indicated a notable enhancement in the experimental group: body image dissatisfaction diminished by 20.79%, while health-promoting behaviours escalated by 22.67%.  Substantial associations were identified between improvements in outcomes and variables such as age, academic year, dietary habits, and sleep duration.  The findings indicate that nurse-led programs may effectively enhance body satisfaction and promote healthy habits in young adults.  Integrating such programs into educational environments may promote enduring physical and mental health advantages for this at-risk demographic.