Title: The relationship of attitude constructs in behaviour adoption towards alleviation of nutritional anaemia

Authors: Sanjana R. Bhat; Anil K. Bhat

Addresses: Department of Pharmacy, BITS Pilani, Pilani, Rajasthan, 333031, India; Medical Centre, Vidya Vihar, BITS-Pilani, Pilani, Rajasthan, 333031, India ' Department of Management, BITS Pilani, Pilani, Rajasthan, 333031, India; Department of Management, Faculty Division I, Vidya Vihar, BITS-Pilani, Pilani, Rajasthan, 333031, India

Abstract: A before-and-after study on awareness, comprehension and attitude in behaviour adoption towards nutritional anaemia was undertaken in adolescents studying in a residential and a day school. The students were divided into groups and subjected to the direct and indirect methods of intervention. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect the information both before and after the intervention. Results were analysed using paired t-test of difference between means. Direct method of intervention in a residential school setting led to a statistically significant increase in awareness about anaemia. The indirect method of intervention led to a statistically significant increase in awareness in those areas that involved transfer of simple information. Neither the direct nor the indirect method of intervention in either setting (residential or day school) showed any statistically significant increase in comprehension/behaviour intention to change as these seem more complex and difficult to change and require an attitudinal change through other methods.

Keywords: nutritional anaemia; adolescent girls; awareness; comprehension; attitude; indirect intervention; direct intervention; promotional interventions; nutritional counselling; before-and-after study; female adolescents; residential schools; day schools; behavioural intention; behavioural attitudes.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBHR.2012.051378

International Journal of Behavioural and Healthcare Research, 2012 Vol.3 No.3/4, pp.167 - 177

Published online: 20 Aug 2014 *

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