Box 1 Training and support for students: six sessions provided monthly

1.Health behavior change: Motivational interview fundamentals including the use of empathy, ways to evoke change, open questions and how to react to resistance. The trans-theoretical model of change: stage detection and relevant reaction and coaching tools—circle of health and SMART health prescription (subjective, measurable, attainable, realistic and time bound goals for health behavior change)

Practical component: Motivational interviewing exercise

2.Socioeconomic, cultural, religious needs of the patient population. The importance of cultural competence, and consideration of individuals’ cultural, religious, and social factors when providing counseling. Case studies were presented and students instructed on how to provide culturally appropriate guidance

Practical component: Meeting with clinic staff

3.Health literacy. The importance of ensuring that patients receive health education information that is clear and understandable. Students were given tools to use to help patients understand the counseling

Practical component: Practicing skills in a simulation session with actors

4.Healthy nutrition principles including counseling for patients with diabetes and hypertension

Practical component: Reading food labels exercise

5.Approaches to obesity, nutritional counseling for weight loss, healthy cooking

Practical component: using a food diary for documenting food intake and discussing change

6.Summary and insights – reflection on the experience, what was achieved, what went well, what needed improvement

Practical component: Focus group discussion