Participatory cooking demonstrations: A distinctive learning approach towards positive health

BACKGROUND: Participatory cooking demonstration is a unique and effective way to teach nutritional concepts and basic cooking skills in a community setting. The present study attempted to develop the same in 4(th)-year nursing students through the intervention for a better nutritional health outcome. The objectives are to introduce and train nursing students on participatory cooking demonstrations in community households, evaluate the improvement of knowledge and self-efficacy of the participants, and assess the feedback of the study participants towards the intervention. METHODOLOGY: An educational intervention was carried out among BSc Nursing students in a tertiary healthcare institute from April to June 2019. A sample of 66 students were subjected to pre- and post-tests along with a self-efficacy evaluation and feedback survey. RESULTS: Out of all, 91.1% were between 21 and 30 years, 77.8% belonged to rural areas, and 82% were in the lower–middle socioeconomic class. The knowledge was improved, and it was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.0001). The self-efficacy evaluation showed an enhancement of knowledge and awareness. The majority either strongly agreed or agreed that participatory cooking demonstrations helped them learn healthy cooking practices (80%), analyze specific nutritional problems (95.6%), and get hands-on experience in nutritional care (86.4%). The themes that emerged from qualitative data were discussed under liked, disliked aspects, challenges faced, and solutions offered. CONCLUSION: The hands-on sessions on participatory cooking demonstrations were successfully introduced and the knowledge and self-efficacy of the participants was improved. All participants were satisfied with the intervention as perceived by the participants.