Abstract Childhood obesity is a global concern. The objectives of this meta-analytical study were to evaluate the effectiveness of school-based childhood obesity prevention programs, and to examine ...program components (moderators). The methods included searching databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, and the university's EBSCOhost Web service) as well as handsearching reference lists of articles published in English. Selection criteria for studies to be included in the meta-analysis were limited to studies that reported body mass index (BMI) or skinfold thickness as outcome measures and were school-based obesity prevention interventions; cross-sectional design studies were excluded. We hypothesized the meta-analysis would yield a summary effect size of magnitude which would indicate that school-based interventions have been effective in improving children's BMI or skinfold thickness values. A total of 26 114 children from 27 school-based childhood obesity prevention programs provided 54 effect sizes. A random-effects model calculated a small summary effect size of 0.039 (95% confidence interval −0.013 to 0.092). Heterogeneity among studies was observed which disappeared after pooling studies that used a randomized controlled trial design with one program moderator (physical activity or nutrition). We failed to accept our hypothesis and concluded that overall, school-based interventions have not been effective for improving body mass index or skinfold thickness to curb childhood obesity; however, randomized controlled trials that focused on physical activity or nutrition appeared to produce promising results.
Obesity is a national health concern and the focus of many health promotion programs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the behavioral impact of a 12-week obesity prevention program on a ...university campus. Participants were provided questionnaires with weights, heights, and body mass indices (BMIs) determined at the pre-phase weigh-in and post-phase weigh-out. At the weigh-in, participants received pedometers and information about upcoming educational sessions to assist them with reaching their health behavior goals. A total of 247 (38.2% of 646) individuals (79.4% women) completed the program. A mean weight loss of 1.8 kg caused a decrease in BMI from 29.3 at weigh-in to 28.7 at weigh-out (p = .002). Pre- and post-questionnaires indicated increases (p < 0.001) in physical activity; using pedometers; and intakes of fruits, vegetables, and water at the end of the program. The 6-month follow-up questionnaire (33.2% response rate) indicated healthy habits were being maintained for fruit and vegetable consumption. Further intervention development to incorporate innovative strategies for promoting healthy behaviors among students and employees on university campuses could help decrease the prevalence of obesity.
An abstract of a study by Jung et al examining factors that influenced body weight among diverse racial/ethnic groups receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in Oklahoma is ...presented. ANOVA was used to determine if significant difference were evident for mean scores of body satisfaction, body image behavior, food security, and BMI among different racial groups. Results show that there were no significant differences in BMI or food security status among racial/ethnic groups and few significant differences were evident when data were analyzed using racial category as the independent variable.
Research on pregnant African American teenagers indicates that there is an issue with high incidences of obesity prior to pregnancy as well as postpartum. Understanding environmental factors and the ...perspective of the teenager is essential to developing effective nutrition interventions.
The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate a faith-based intervention, known as Eve's Apple Nutrition Education Program. A nutrition education session was provided once a week for eight weeks at ...a church, with sessions composed of lecture, discussion, and hands-on activities. Matched-pre- and post-program survey data for 38 women showed that participants decreased negative dietary behaviors (emotional eating snacking on sweets, haphazard meal planning, meal skipping, cultural factors) and increased low-fat eating (p < .01). Although pilot studies may present limitations, this faith-based strategy seems to be promising for addressing dietary behaviors among African American women.
ONLINE TOOLKIT Parker, Stephany; Phelps, Joshua A; Briley, Chiquita A
Journal of nutrition education and behavior,
07/2008, Letnik:
40, Številka:
4
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Economic Development and Redevelopment: A Toolkit on Land Use and Health, located at http://www.healthyplanning.org/toolkit_edrd/html, is a comprehensive, well-designed, and progressive guide, ...beginning with "how to" resources and tools to facilitate change of local food environments, with specific programs and examples included throughout. The toolkit has been developed to inform a broad spectrum of users on ways to improve the health of users on ways to improve the health of communities through explorations of how the built environment influences food accessibility.
Childhood obesity is a global concern. The objectives of this meta-analytical study were to evaluate the effectiveness of school-based childhood obesity prevention programs, and to examine program ...components (moderators). The methods included searching databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, and the university's EBSCOhost Web service) as well as handsearching reference lists of articles published in English. Selection criteria for studies to be included in the meta-analysis were limited to studies that reported body mass index (BMI) or skinfold thickness as outcome measures and were school-based obesity prevention interventions; cross-sectional design studies were excluded. We hypothesized the meta-analysis would yield a summary effect size of magnitude which would indicate that school-based interventions have been effective in improving children's BMI or skinfold thickness values. A total of 26 114 children from 27 school-based childhood obesity prevention programs provided 54 effect sizes. A random-effects model calculated a small summary effect size of 0.039 (95% confidence interval -0.013 to 0.092). Heterogeneity among studies was observed which disappeared after pooling studies that used a randomized controlled trial design with one program moderator (physical activity or nutrition). We failed to accept our hypothesis and concluded that overall, school-based interventions have not been effective for improving body mass index or skinfold thickness to curb childhood obesity; however, randomized controlled trials that focused on physical activity or nutrition appeared to produce promising results.
To discover the perceptions of African-American families on the issues of African-American strengths, health and childhood overweight/obesity, three in-depth interviews were conducted with attenuated ...nuclear (single-parent), extended and simple-nuclear families. A total of six adults participated. Results indicated that these African-American families depended on community agencies to assist with resources. Spirituality/God and the concept of Church provide non-kinship bonds to create extended families and support systems. Resiliency was indicated as a mechanism to resolve adversity. Health data described that financial stability has a factor on the health status of African-Americans. Families interviewed suggested that the cost of food items was a determining reason for food selection. On the issue of childhood obesity, none of the families could provide an accurate definition. Many of them made a distinction between “overweight” and “obesity” indicating that being overweight meant that a child could still be healthy whereas obesity meant that a child was extremely large and could not perform daily living activities. Families also suggested there were various levels of being overweight. Cultural and regional difference in the acceptance of childhood overweight/obesity was a factor that dictated acceptance of an overweight/obesity weight status. There was consensus among families that parents and family members played a major part in being role models for positive nutrition behaviors. Interventions need to combine African-American family strengths and their outlook on childhood obesity in order to provide more culturally sensitive and competent nutrition information.
