Project-based learning as a tool for improving public health awareness and nutritional understanding in nursing education

Background: Nursing education requires approaches that strengthen public health and nutrition competencies through experiential learning. Traditional lecture-based methods may limit skill development and community engagement. Project-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered approach that integrates theoretical knowledge with real-world application. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to assess the association between PBL and changes in public health awareness and nutritional understanding among undergraduate nursing students. Materials and Methods: A pre–post interventional study was conducted among 200 undergraduate nursing students at a government nursing college in West Bengal. Students participated in community-based PBL activities focused on public health and nutrition over 4 weeks. Knowledge, attitudes, and self-perceived skills were assessed before and after the intervention using a validated semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using appropriate parametric and non-parametric statistical tests, with P<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Participation in the PBL intervention was associated with a significant increase in mean knowledge scores from 10.82±2.14 to 16.46±1.83 (P<0.001). Positive changes were observed in attitudes toward community health, nutrition education, and the application of theory to practice. Most students reported perceived improvement in teamwork (88%), communication (82%), and problem-solving skills (74%). The intervention was rated as feasible and acceptable by the majority of participants. Conclusion: PBL was associated with improved knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported professional skills related to public health and nutrition among nursing students. Incorporating PBL into nursing education may support experiential learning and community-oriented training; however, controlled studies are required to establish causal relationships.