Approaches to Enhancing Wellness Policy Implementation in Schools to Prevent Obesity: Implementation

Abstract

Evaluation:The dissemination feasibility study for Segment 1 will include pre/post survey completed by a key informant at each participating preschool/daycare and brief parent surveys. The new, second segment (Segment 2) of HomeStyles tailored to families with children 6 to 11 years will be evaluated via a randomized controlled trial designed to determine whether this novel, age-appropriate, family intervention enables and motivates English-and Spanish-speaking parents to shape their home environments and weight-related lifestyle practices (diet, exercise, sleep) to reduce risk of obesity during middle childhood more than those in the control condition. Students enrolled in coursework and practicums will be evaluated using rubrics and satisfaction surveys. Conclusions and Implications: This intervention will apply community-based participatory research principles and be aligned with current obesity prevention recommendations and behavior change theories. This project will provide a sustainable model for confronting and combating obesity and safeguarding health that can be brought to scale nationwide.