Feasibility and acceptability of an educational intervention in schoolchildren to promote healthy lifestyle habits in Colombia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v84.119703Keywords:
School health promotion, healthy lifestyles, feasibility studies, healthy eating, physical activityAbstract
Introduction: Promoting healthy lifestyle habits during adolescence is a public health priority due to its influence on the prevention of chronic diseases and long-term well-being. Peer education–based interventions have shown promise in educational settings; however, evidence regarding their feasibility and acceptability in Latin American school contexts remains limited.
Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the educational intervention “Healthy Lifestyle Habits: Learning to Act”, developed within the framework of the Prosalud® Strategy, among secondary school students in Colombia.
Methods: A mixed-methods exploratory feasibility study was conducted with 31 lower and upper secondary school students (Grades 9–11) recruited through convenience sampling. The intervention was based on peer education and included educational and experiential activities aimed at promoting healthy habits related to physical activity and nutrition. Feasibility was assessed through indicators of recruitment, retention, procedural viability, and preliminary response. Acceptability was evaluated using a five-point Likert-scale survey and open-ended questions. Descriptive and thematic analyses were performed.
Results: Of the 51 students initially interested, 40 formally enrolled in the study (78.4%), and 31 completed the intervention (retention rate: 77.5%). Procedures and assessment instruments proved feasible, with no relevant difficulties in administration or comprehension. Acceptability was high, particularly regarding technological resources (94.3%), physical facilities (91.4%), and mentoring quality (85.7%). Participants positively valued both the activities and the knowledge gained. Additionally, 74% improved or maintained their knowledge of healthy lifestyle habits following the intervention.
Conclusions: The intervention demonstrated adequate feasibility and high acceptability within the evaluated school setting. These findings support the implementation of pilot studies aimed at assessing its effectiveness.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Diana Angarita-Rodríguez, Olga Forero-Rincón, Angélica María Ospina Romero, Marta Botella Navas, Gloria Carvajal Carrascal, Noemi Cuartero Monteagudo, Paola Sarmiento González
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