Designing a Health Education Program about Healthy Lifestyle for Youth

Abstract

Background: The transformation from childhood to adulthood is a vital phase in building life habits, so incorrect health practices like insufficient physical exercise, unhealthy food, and not enough sleep would be a critical concern. Aim: The aim of this study is to explore the views of health educators and youth toward the design of a health education program about a healthy lifestyle for youth. Method: The researchers used a phenomenological study design to conduct this study, using both quantitative as well as qualitative methods as part of the Delphi technique. The researchers included 10 health educators using judgmental sampling and 16 youth aged 15-24 years using convenience sampling for this study. They used a semi-structured interview questionnaire for collecting data, and they used thematic analysis and descriptive statistics for data analysis. Results: the study revealed that the youth’s views were basically focused on practices and skills-centered content as well as detailed content regarding nutrition, exercises, techniques to manage stress, and quality of sleep. They also preferred participatory approaches for content delivery as workshops, group discussion, mobile-based media, and interactive lectures. The health educators stressed on the need for an evidence-based curriculum focusing on the learners' needs and preferences. Conclusion and Recommendations: The study concluded that the educational program must be based on practice and skills, connected to their culture, and delivered through participatory approaches for more engagement of the youth. The study recommended fast implementation of the program, which is very important to shape a healthy lifestyle among youth