The Importance of Balanced Nutrition among Adolescents

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 1 views

The Influence of Online Health Education Media on the Knowledge and Attitudes of Adolescent Balanced Nutrition in the Pandemic Covid-19 in Medan City

Introduction

In the current era of technology 4.0, information media is developing very quickly and instantly, having a significant impact on lifestyle and consumption patterns of the community. This is an important spotlight in the context of health, especially among adolescents. The rapid spread of information through digital platforms has made it easier for people to access health-related information, but it also raises concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the information. This study aims to analyze the effect of online-based health education media on the knowledge and attitudes of adolescent balanced nutrition during the Pandemic Covid-19 in Medan City.

The Importance of Balanced Nutrition among Adolescents

Balanced nutrition is essential for the growth and development of adolescents. A healthy diet provides the necessary nutrients for the body to function properly, and it also helps to prevent chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. However, many adolescents in Medan City are not aware of the importance of balanced nutrition, and they often consume high-calorie and high-fat foods that are detrimental to their health. The Covid-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the problem, as many adolescents are spending more time at home and relying on online food delivery services that often promote unhealthy eating habits.

Research Methodology

This study uses the Quasi-experimental method with pretest-posttest design involving the control group. The research subjects consisted of 60 students from MAN 1 High School and MAN 2 Medan High School, which were divided into three groups: WhatsApp Group Group (Group I), Google Meet (Group II), and Control Group (Group III). The data collected was analyzed using univariate and bivariate analysis with paired T tests, which were set at P = 0.05 and CI = 95%.

Main Findings

The results showed that the WhatsApp Group and Google Meet group both had a significant effect in increasing the knowledge and attitude of adolescent balanced nutrition with the value of P <0.05. On the other hand, the control group did not show significant changes (P> 0.05), which showed that without intervention from educational media, knowledge and balanced nutritional attitudes of adolescents did not increase.

Analysis and Implications

The positive influence of online-based health education media shows that the use of information technology in delivering balanced nutritional material is very effective, especially among adolescents who are familiar with the use of digital platforms. WhatsApp and Google Meet as interaction media allow for better information exchange and active involvement from participants, so that their knowledge of balanced nutrition increases significantly. This study suggests that online health education media can be a powerful tool in promoting healthy eating habits among adolescents.

Recommendations for the Medan City Health Office

It is hoped that the Medan City Health Office can take advantage of the findings of this research to improve the quality of health education programs. A more interesting approach in the delivery of balanced nutritional information is expected to help adolescents to understand and apply a healthy diet, especially in the Covid-19 Pandemic period which has changed many aspects of daily life. In this context, the use of technology must continue to be optimized to create a young generation who are more aware of the importance of balanced nutrition in maintaining health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of online health education media in promoting balanced nutrition among adolescents in Medan City. The use of digital platforms such as WhatsApp and Google Meet can be a powerful tool in increasing knowledge and attitudes towards healthy eating habits. The Medan City Health Office should continue to develop and market interactive and interactive educational programs through online media to achieve wider audiences, especially adolescents.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size was relatively small, and the study was conducted in only two high schools in Medan City. Secondly, the study only focused on the effect of online health education media on knowledge and attitudes towards balanced nutrition, and did not explore other factors that may influence healthy eating habits. Finally, the study was conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic, which may have affected the results.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to explore the effectiveness of online health education media in promoting healthy eating habits among adolescents in different contexts. Additionally, researchers should investigate the role of other factors such as family support, peer influence, and socioeconomic status in shaping healthy eating habits among adolescents.

References

World Health Organization. (2020). Healthy diet. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/healthy-diet
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Nutrition and physical activity. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/physical_activity/index.html
Ministry of Health of Indonesia. (2020). Pandemi Covid-19. Retrieved from https://www.kemkes.go.id/article/view/2020/18493/pandemi-covid-19.html

Appendix

Questionnaire used in the study
Data analysis procedures
Results of the paired T test

Note: The references provided are just examples and may not be actual references used in the study.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Influence of Online Health Education Media on the Knowledge and Attitudes of Adolescent Balanced Nutrition in the Pandemic Covid-19 in Medan City

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study is to analyze the effect of online-based health education media on the knowledge and attitudes of adolescent balanced nutrition during the Pandemic Covid-19 in Medan City.

Q: What methods were used in this study?

A: This study used the Quasi-experimental method with pretest-posttest design involving the control group. The research subjects consisted of 60 students from MAN 1 High School and MAN 2 Medan High School, which were divided into three groups: WhatsApp Group Group (Group I), Google Meet (Group II), and Control Group (Group III).

Q: What were the results of this study?

A: The results showed that the WhatsApp Group and Google Meet group both had a significant effect in increasing the knowledge and attitude of adolescent balanced nutrition with the value of P <0.05. On the other hand, the control group did not show significant changes (P> 0.05).

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The positive influence of online-based health education media shows that the use of information technology in delivering balanced nutritional material is very effective, especially among adolescents who are familiar with the use of digital platforms.

Q: What are the recommendations for the Medan City Health Office?

A: It is hoped that the Medan City Health Office can take advantage of the findings of this research to improve the quality of health education programs. A more interesting approach in the delivery of balanced nutritional information is expected to help adolescents to understand and apply a healthy diet, especially in the Covid-19 Pandemic period which has changed many aspects of daily life.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size was relatively small, and the study was conducted in only two high schools in Medan City. Secondly, the study only focused on the effect of online health education media on knowledge and attitudes towards balanced nutrition, and did not explore other factors that may influence healthy eating habits. Finally, the study was conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic, which may have affected the results.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research should aim to explore the effectiveness of online health education media in promoting healthy eating habits among adolescents in different contexts. Additionally, researchers should investigate the role of other factors such as family support, peer influence, and socioeconomic status in shaping healthy eating habits among adolescents.

Q: What are the implications for public health policy?

A: The findings of this study suggest that online health education media can be a powerful tool in promoting healthy eating habits among adolescents. Therefore, public health policymakers should consider incorporating online health education media into their strategies to promote healthy eating habits among adolescents.

Q: What are the implications for healthcare professionals?

A: Healthcare professionals should be aware of the importance of online health education media in promoting healthy eating habits among adolescents. They should also be trained to use online health education media effectively in their practice.

Q: What are the implications for parents and caregivers?

A: Parents and caregivers should be aware of the importance of online health education media in promoting healthy eating habits among adolescents. They should also be involved in their children's online health education and provide support and guidance as needed.

Q: What are the implications for schools and educational institutions?

A: Schools and educational institutions should consider incorporating online health education media into their curricula to promote healthy eating habits among adolescents. They should also provide support and resources for teachers and students to use online health education media effectively.

Q: What are the implications for the community?

A: The community should be aware of the importance of online health education media in promoting healthy eating habits among adolescents. They should also be involved in promoting healthy eating habits among adolescents and providing support and resources as needed.