(P11-035-25) Study Protocol: Applying Trauma-Informed Nutrition Education to Improve Dietary Behavior and Self-Efficacy in At-Risk High School Students

Objectives: Childhood trauma is closely linked to poor health outcomes, including diet-related issues, yet few studies have explored its impact on diet quality among at-risk students in Alternative High Schools (AHS) and requires further exploration. Previous studies indicate that AHS students often have higher access to calorie-dense food options, resulting in higher consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, high-fat foods, and fast food while also struggling to access and incorporate  nutrient-dense foods into their diet. Nutritional literacy could be a key element in helping at-risk students maintain nutrient-dense diets. This pilot study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of trauma-informed nutrition education among at-risk students attending a Northern California-based AHS.

Methods: A six-week trauma-informed nutrition education curriculum will assess changes in dietary behavior among AHS students. Using the CalFresh Healthy Living, University of California, Eating and Activity Tool for Students survey (EATS), we will assess pre and post-intervention dietary behavior. Feasibility and acceptability will be assessed using attendance rates and satisfaction surveys, respectively. To assess nutrition-related self-efficacy, the Healthy Eating and Weight Self-Efficacy Scale (HEWSE)  will be used.

Results: It is expected that there will be improvements in dietary behavior and nutrition-related self-efficacy after the intervention.

Conclusions: This pilot study has the potential to improve eating behaviors and nutrition-related self-efficacy among AHS students. The findings will provide foundational data to support the need for trauma-informed nutrition education and other evidence-based resources tailored to at-risk high school students, informing a larger, future study.

Funding Sources: None