IMPACT OF STATE MODEL WELLNESS POLICIES ON STRENGTH AND COMPREHENSIVENESS ON WRITTEN SCHOOL WELLNESS POLICIES

E. E. Eggert, H. J. Overby, J. R. Meendering South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate if model wellness policies aid schools in writing stronger, more comprehensive school wellness policies (SWP). We hypothesized districts that utilized the South Dakota (SD) model wellness policy would write stronger, more comprehensive SWP than schools that did not use the model policy. Methods: This cross-sectional study contacted all (n=152) public school districts within SD. Ninety-one districts elected to participate by submitting a current SWP and completing an electronic survey. The survey consisted of questions that classified districts into one of two groups: districts that utilized the SD Department of Education supported model wellness policy (MWP; n=56), and those that did not utilize the model wellness policy (NMWP; n=35). After preliminary analysis, groups were further classified into four groups: districts that utilized the model policy and another resource (MWP+; n=28), districts that utilized the model policy and no other resource (MWP-; n=28), districts that did not utilize the model policy but did utilize another resource (NMWP+; n=11), and districts that did not utilize the model policy nor any other resource (NMWP-; n=24). WellSAT was used to assess the total strength, total comprehensiveness, total overall score, and subsection scores (Nutrition Education and Wellness Promotion, Standards for USDA School Meals, Nutrition Standards, Physical Education and Physical Activity, and Evaluation) of each policy. Statistical Analysis: Two group and four group dependent variable comparisons were made using t-tests and one-way ANOVAs, respectively. Statistical significance was set at p≤0.05. Data is presented as mean scores ± SD. Results: No differences were found in total overall score (MWP 76.79±37.94; NMWP 62.07±34.32), total strength score (MWP 25.32±17.59; NMWP 19.07±12.79), or total comprehensiveness score (MWP 51.45±21.23; NMWP 43.00±22.14). No differences were found between MWP and NMWP groups for any subsection scores. In addition, no differences were found between MWP+, MWP-, NMWP+, and NMWP- groups for any scores (all p\u3e0.05). Conclusions: In contrast with our hypothesis, these data suggest model wellness policies may not improve the quality of written SWP. Further research is needed to better understand the specific needs of school districts in order to facilitate the creation of an effective tool to guide SWP development. NACSM Professional Sponsor: Jessica R Meenderin

PHOTOVOICE: ENGAGING THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY IN SCHOOL WELLNESS EFFORTS

H. J. Overby, E. E. Eggert, D. M. Dinkel, J. L. Huberty, S. R. Stluka, & J. R. Meendering South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD Introduction: Effective wellness policies have been shown to improve school environments and potentially aid in obesity prevention. Currently there are no interactive tools that allow school communities to assess their school wellness needs and foster interest in wellness efforts. PhotoVoice is a participatory action research methodology commonly used in public health that utilizes photography to document and showcase community strengths and weaknesses in order to promote change. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to gather perceptions of a school community after using PhotoVoice to document school wellness efforts (SWE). Methods: High school students (n=103) and school community members (i.e., residents of community, school faculty) (n=188) were recruited across three school districts. High school students were asked to attend four educational sessions on how to use PhotoVoice. Students were then asked to use PhotoVoice to capture the strengths and weaknesses regarding SWE at their school and these photographs were displayed in photo-exhibits (n=3). High school students (i.e., those who used PhotoVoice (n=49) and those who did not (n=67)) and school community members (i.e., residents of the community/parents) (n=54) and school faculty (n=18) were asked to attend the photo-exhibits and complete an open-ended survey immediately following the photo-exhibit. Statistical Analysis: Qualitative survey data was analyzed via NVivo software using content analysis theory to identify themes. Results: The most common theme reported was an increase in awareness of SWE (n=54). A small number of participants reported no change in awareness (n=14). A report of no change in awareness was less likely in students who used PhotoVoice (2%) compared to students that did not (13%). The photo-exhibit increased participants’ motivation to take action (i.e., wanting to discuss SWE with others) (n=26) or made them willing to do something (i.e., need to get more involved with the school) (n=20) to improve SWE. School faculty (22%) and students who used PhotoVoice (18%) responded with the most motivation to take action to improve SWE. Motivation was lower in students who did not use PhotoVoice (13%) and residents of the school community/parents (7%). Conclusion: These data suggest PhotoVoice may help increase awareness and motivate members of the school community to improve SWE, all while creating a positive transdisciplinary project based learning experience for participating students. NACSM Professional Sponsor: Jessica R Meenderin

Ethinylestradiol_30μg-drospirenone and metformin: could this combination improve endothelial dysfunction in polycystic ovary syndrome?

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>We are hereby investigating for the first time the effect of the association ethinylestradiol_30μg-drospirenone _3mg (DRP/EE_30μg) plus metformin and weight loss on endothelial status and C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>25 young women with PCOS (mean age 22.76 ± 0.83 years, body mass index (BMI): 28.44 ± 6.23) who completed the study were prospectively evaluated. The oral contraceptive- DRP/EE_30μg (21 days/month) and metformin (1700 mg daily) were administered for 6 months to the PCOS group. Additionally, the 15 overweight and obese patients (BMI > 25 kg/m2) were instructed in a diet of no more than 1500 cal daily. Primary outcome measures were surrogate markers of cardiovascular disease and included endothelial function, <it>i.e.</it> flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) on the brachial artery and endothelin-1 levels, as well as hsCRP concentrations, body composition (measured by whole-body dual-energy X-ray-absorptiometry) and insulin resistance. Variables were assessed at baseline, as well as after our medical intervention.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The combination between DRP/EE_30μg plus metformin combined with weight loss triggered a significant improvement in the FMD values (FMD-PCOS_basal 3.48 ± 1.00 <it>vs</it> FMD-PCOS_{6 months}7.43 ± 1.04, p = 0.033), as well as body composition and insulin insensitivity (p < 0.05). Regarding hsCRP levels, there was no significant intragroup (PCOS_6months – PCOS_basal) difference.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>A 6-month course of metformin- DRP/EE_{30μg (}associated with weight loss) improves the endothelial dysfunction in PCOS and shows neutral effects on hsCRP concentrations as an inflammation marker. These data demand for reevaluation of the medical therapy in PCOS, particularly in women with additional metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01459445)<b>.</b></p