Abstract
Nutritional awareness is a key strategy for promoting healthy eating habits among school populations, especially in rural Andean contexts where malnutrition and limited access to health information persist. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a nutritional awareness program on eating habits and academic well-being perception among 4th and 5th grade secondary students at I.E.P. Divino Maestro, located in Pampas, Huancavelica. A quantitative approach with a pre-experimental, descriptive-correlational design was employed. The sample consisted of 23 students selected through simple random sampling from a population of 100 students. Validated pre- and post-intervention surveys were applied, complemented by educational sessions, workshops, and participatory activities. Results showed a high consumption of ultra-processed foods in 70.9% of the students and a significant deficiency in fruit and vegetable intake. After the intervention, a significant improvement in nutritional knowledge and willingness to adopt healthy habits was observed (p < 0.05). Furthermore, 95.7% acknowledged the relationship between diet and academic performance. It is concluded that nutritional awareness positively influences the adoption of healthy eating practices and students’ perception of academic well-being, highlighting the need for sustainable educational programs integrated into the school curriculum.
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