4 research outputs found
Design and methods for evaluating an early childhood obesity prevention program in the childcare center setting
BACKGROUND: Many unhealthy dietary and physical activity habits that foster the development of obesity are established by the age of five. Presently, approximately 70 percent of children in the United States are currently enrolled in early childcare facilities, making this an ideal setting to implement and evaluate childhood obesity prevention efforts. We describe here the methods for conducting an obesity prevention randomized trial in the child care setting. METHODS/DESIGN: A randomized, controlled obesity prevention trial is currently being conducted over a three year period (2010-present). The sample consists of 28 low-income, ethnically diverse child care centers with 1105 children (sample is 60% Hispanic, 15% Haitian, 12% Black, 2% non-Hispanic White and 71% of caregivers were born outside of the US). The purpose is to test the efficacy of a parent and teacher role-modeling intervention on childrenâs nutrition and physical activity behaviors. . The Healthy Caregivers-Healthy Children (HC2) intervention arm schools received a combination of (1) implementing a daily curricula for teachers/parents (the nutritional gatekeepers); (2) implementing a daily curricula for children; (3) technical assistance with meal and snack menu modifications such as including more fresh and less canned produce; and (4) creation of a center policy for dietary requirements for meals and snacks, physical activity and screen time. Control arm schools received an attention control safety curriculum. Major outcome measures include pre-post changes in child body mass index percentile and z score, fruit and vegetable and other nutritious food intake, amount of physical activity, and parental nutrition and physical activity knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs, defined by intentions and behaviors. All measures were administered at the beginning and end of the school year for year one and year two of the study for a total of 4 longitudinal time points for assessment. DISCUSSION: Although few attempts have been made to prevent obesity during the first years of life, this period may represent the best opportunity for obesity prevention. Findings from this investigation will inform both the fields of childhood obesity prevention and early childhood research about the effects of an obesity prevention program housed in the childcare setting. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration number: NCT0172203
Physical activity strategies in low-resource elementary schools: Why and how are they prioritized?
Prevalence and Types of SchoolâBased OutâofâSchool Time Programs at Elementary Schools and Implications for Student Nutrition and Physical Activity
BACKGROUND
Outâofâschool time (OST) programs are an important setting for supporting student health and academic achievement. This study describes the prevalence and characteristics of schoolâbased OST programs, which can inform efforts to promote healthy behaviors in this setting.
METHODS
A nationally representative sample of public elementary schools (N = 640) completed surveys in 2013â2014. Administrators reported on OST programs and policies at their school. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated the prevalence of schoolâbased OST programs, adjusting for school characteristics. Among schools with OST programs (N = 475), chiâsquare tests identified school characteristics associated with having an OST policy about physical activity or nutrition.
RESULTS
Three fourths of elementary schools (75.6%) had a fullâ or partialâyear schoolâbased OST program, with 30.8% having both. Fullâ and partialâyear programs were significantly less prevalent in rural and township areas versus urban settings. Only 27.5% of schools with OST programs reported having physical activity and/or nutrition policies.
CONCLUSIONS
Most US elementary schools have an onâsite OST program, but disparities in access exist, and most lack policies or awareness of existing policies regarding physical activity and nutrition. To maximize OST programs\u27 potential benefits, strategies are needed to increase access to programs and physical activity and/or nutrition policy adoption