Impact of food and nutrition literacy on knowledge, attitude and practices among adults with hypertension in Jalgaon, Maharashtra

Abstract

Background: Hypertension affects 28-30% of Indian adults, yet fewer than 9% achieve adequate blood pressure control. Low-socioeconomic-status (SES) adults face barriers including limited food and nutrition literacy, food insecurity, poor dietary practices. This study evaluated the impact of a six-week food and nutrition literacy intervention on knowledge, attitude, practice (KAP) outcomes and clinical parameters among low-SES adults with hypertension in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. Methods: A pre-post intervention study was conducted among 80 low-SES adults with hypertension attending the OPD of a multispecialty hospital in Jalgaon. Six educational sessions were delivered over five weeks using a Hindi flipbook, illustrated posters, and locally relevant recipe cards, reinforced through WhatsApp reminders. KAP was assessed using knowledge and attitude questionnaires, a food frequency questionnaire, and healthy habits practice scale. SBP, DBP, and body weight were measured at baseline and post-intervention. Appropriate statistical tests were applied. Results: Significant improvements were observed in knowledge (median 11.0 to 13.0, p<0.001), attitude (46.5 to 47.5, p<0.001), and multiple dietary practice indicators. Significant reductions occurred in SBP (144.5 to 140.5 mmHg), DBP (85.0 to 83.5 mmHg), and body weight (74.0 to 73.0 kg; all p<0.001). Conclusions: A structured, culturally adapted food and nutrition literacy intervention significantly improved KAP and clinical outcomes among low-SES hypertensive adults. This feasible, low-cost model may be replicated in hypertension management programmes.