BMC Nurs. 2025 Nov 13;24(1):1394. doi: 10.1186/s12912-025-04058-w.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Childhood obesity prevention is a public health priority to reduce the burden of chronic diseases. This study assessed the impact of a capacity-building program designed to enhance school nurses’ competencies in adolescent obesity prevention in the Sousse region of Tunisia.
TRIAL DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial was conducted among all school nurses in the region for nine months, from January to September 2024, in the Sousse region health district. Eligible participants were stratified by the school district and randomly assigned to either the intervention (IG) or control group (CG) using a random number generator.
METHODS: The target population was school nurses actively engaged in school health services, including health promotion and obesity prevention, with a minimum of six months of professional experience. Ninety-five participants were allocated to the intervention. The intervention was multidisciplinary, including expert-led trainers on nutrition, communication, physical activity, and obesity. The primary outcome was perceived skills, and the secondary outcomes were professional attitudes and challenges regarding childhood obesity prevention. Blinding was not used in this study.
RESULTS: A total of 116 nurses participated, predominantly female, with one-third aged 40-49 years. Forty-nine participants were randomised to the IG and 46 to the CG (n = 46). At baseline, the intervention group reported significantly lower self-perceived competency in obesity management than the control group (p = 10-3). After six months, there is a significant difference between the intervention and the control group in terms of perceived skills, including significant improvements in educating adolescents about physical activity, promoting healthy eating habits, and addressing obesity-related concerns with confidence (p = 10-3). Regarding perceived challenges, the IG expressed an increased need for further training, particularly in counseling and motivational interviewing (p = 10-3), higher than the CG.
CONCLUSION: This capacity-building program significantly improved school nurses’ skills, confidence, and motivation in adolescent obesity prevention. Nevertheless, skills related to family dynamics and behavioral management require more targeted interventions. Sustained professional training is crucial for addressing structural barriers and ensuring the long-term effectiveness of the program.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: This clinical trial was registered with the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry on April 7, 2025, under reference number PACTR202504907833519.
PMID:41233857 | DOI:10.1186/s12912-025-04058-w
