The Impact of Nutrition Education Based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED Model on Improving the Nutritional Status and Growth Status of 7-12-Year-Old Malnourished Children in Kermanshah.

Malnutrition significantly affects children's health and social well-being, leading to growth disorders, such as underweight and short stature. This study investigated the impact of nutrition education based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED Model and the optimal food basket recommended by the Ministry of Health on the growth status and dietary intake of malnourished children aged 7 to 12 years. A controlled trial was conducted with 254 malnourished children in Kermanshah, randomly divided into intervention (127) and control groups. Data were collected at three intervals: before, 6, and 12 weeks after the educational intervention. The intervention consisted of eight educational sessions lasting 45-60 min each. Results showed that the nutrition education program significantly improved components of the PRECEDE model, including knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and behavior (p < 0.001). The intervention group experienced significant increases in Weight for Age Percentile and BMI for Age Percentile (p < 0.001), though no significant difference was found in Height for Age Percentile (p = 0.929). Dietary intake data revealed significant increases in mean calories, protein, vitamin A, riboflavin, iron, and zinc (p < 0.001), whereas vitamin C and D intakes showed no significant differences (p = 0.675 and p = 0.610, respectively). In conclusion, nutrition education based on the PRECEDE model can effectively enhance dietary intake and reduce underweight and thinness in children by improving knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy.