Effectiveness of a Nurse-led Education Program on Knowledge and Behavior and Exploration of the Perception Related to Road Safety Measures Among Adolescents in Selected Schools at Distt. Mandi, H.P. (2024-25).: A Mixed Method Study

Abstract

Background: Road traffic injuries are, a leading cause of death among adolescents. Despite their vulnerability, adolescents often lack adequate knowledge and awareness regarding road safety measures. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of a nurse-led education program on knowledge and behaviour, and to explore the perceptions related to road safety measures. Material and Methods: A Mixed Method Research approach with a convergent parallel design was adopted in this study. 70 adolescents studying in 12th grade were selected through non-probability consecutive sampling for quantitative study, while the qualitative component involved 20 adolescents selected by simple random sampling (lottery method). A pre-test post-test design was used for the quantitative study. Data was collected using a structured knowledge questionnaires consisting of 30 items (r= 0.85) and behaviour 5-point Likert scale consisting with 10 items (r= 0.89). Paired t-test was used to assess differences in scores. For qualitative data, exploratory research design was used by conducting face to face in depth interview sessions with each sample and the data was analysed by using narrative, thematic, and descriptive analysis. Ethical approval was obtained from the relevant institutional committee. Result: Quantitative results indicate that the mean difference in knowledge scores between pre-test and post-test was 13.560, with a t-value of 21.518 (p < 0.001), indicating a significant improvement in knowledge. Behaviour scores showed a mean difference of 0.400 and a t-value of 4.583, suggesting slight improvement. Qualitative findings revealed 1 major cluster, 8 themes, 36 sub-themes, and 67 codes, showing that students had positive perceptions towards road safety but limited factual knowledge. Conclusion: The study concluded that integrating perceptions with knowledge revealed both complementary and contradictory patterns, while behaviour and perception aligned positively. The nurse-led education program significantly enhanced students’ knowledge and had a modest impact on their behaviour. These findings emphasize the need for structured educational programs to promote road safety awareness among adolescents.