Effects of a health education intervention on knowledge and attitudes towards chronic non-communicable diseases among undergraduate students in Jordan

Aim To assess the effect of a health promotion course on knowledge and attitudes towards chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) among undergraduate students in a Jordanian university. Design A one-group pre-test-post-test study design was used. Methods A convenience sample of 178 undergraduate students registered in a 3-credit health promotion course was enrolled in the study and completed both pre- and post-tests. This course is offered as an elective course for undergraduate students by the Faculty of Nursing at a large public university in Jordan. Twelve, one-hour interactive sessions regarding CNCDs topics were delivered over 3 weeks as part of the health promotion course. A computer-based questionnaire was used to evaluate students' knowledge and attitudes towards CNCDs including diabetes, hypertension and cancer, before and after undertaking the course. Results There was a significant improvement in the overall knowledge (Cohen'sdeffect size (d) = 1.08) and attitudes (d = 0.62) among all the students, regardless of gender. The overall knowledge and attitudes scores were significantly higher among females in the pre-test, but the differences in their overall scores became insignificant in the post-test. Education on specific topics was effective in improving university students' knowledge and attitudes about health-promoting behaviours, thereby preventing CNCDs. It is important to incorporate health promotion education regarding CNCDs into university curricula using innovative approaches to enhance healthy behaviours in young adults.