Improving overweight among at-risk minority youth: Results of a pilot intervention in after-school programs

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Jennifer Toller Erausquin, Associate Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: Childhood overweight and obesity disproportionately aff ect low- income communities. Most school- based health promotion eff orts occur during the school day and are limited in scope. This study evaluated the eff ectiveness of an aft er- school program among 3rd–5th graders (n=121; 73% 8 to 9 years old; 57% female; 60% Asian) at eight study sites (four intervention, four comparison). Aft er- school staff were trained on implementing the Catch Kids Club Curriculum on nutrition and physical activity. Data were collected on students’ nutrition and physical activity knowledge and behavior, and their height and weight measurements. Using Stata 10.1/SE, cross- lagged regression models assessed changes over time. Results showed a reduction in overweight and obesity (defi ned as body mass index >85th percentile for age and sex) among children in the intervention group, but mixed results regarding diet and physical activity knowledge and behavior. Enhancing aft er- school physical activity opportunities through evidence- based programs can potentially improve overweight and obesity among low- income children.

Additional Information

Publication
Language: English
Date: 2013
Keywords
low- income, elementary school age children, aft er- school programs, overweight, obesity

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