Effectiveness of merrill's first principles training on providers' awareness of adolescent health recommendations

Adolescence is a crucial stage for forming long-term health and nutritional habits. Many healthcare providers lack formal training in adolescent nutrition. This study assessed the effectiveness of a training course grounded in Merrill's First Principles of Instruction in enhancing healthcare providers' knowledge and satisfaction.

This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest-posttest control group design with three measurement points and was; conducted in the Damghan Health Network (August 2024). A total of 100 health care providers were selected through convenience sampling and assigned to two groups: an intervention group (n = 40) and a control group (n = 50). The data collection tools included a 12-item nutrition knowledge test and 10-item satisfaction questionnaire. The training for the intervention group was designed usingaccording to Merrill's five principles, whileereas the control group received standard training. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA.

The average knowledge score in the intervention group increased from 7.52 ± 1.92 to 10.71 ± 1.70 (42% increase), while the control group improved from 7.31 ± 1.47 to 9.17 ± 1.70 (25% increase). After adjusting for the pretest, the difference between groups was statistically significant (F = = 35.64, p < 0.001, η²= = 0.28, d = = 0.9). At the two-week follow-up, the intervention group maintained a higher mean score (8.27 ± 2.41) compared to baseline (p = 0.02). Participant satisfaction was also significantly higher in the intervention group (42.3 ± 4.1 vs. 36.8 ± 5.2; p < 0.001).

Training based on Merrill's principles significantly improved providers' knowledge and satisfaction regarding adolescent nutrition, supporting its use in health education programs.