Development of an Obesity Prevention and Management Program for Children and Adolescents in a Rural Setting

Abstract

This study applied theory-based health behavior change constructs to childhood obesity prevention. Constructs such as goal setting, self-efficacy, and readiness for change were used within a rural community-based program designed to be developmentally appropriate for 6th graders. The project included 2 studies across 12 months. The 1st assessed the scope of the obesity problem within a 3-county area with key stakeholders in health and education. The 2nd implemented a pilot community intervention program within a rural middle school. Participants in the intervention included 65 middle-school students and the families of 25 of these students. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. Changes from pre- to postintervention on relevant measures were statistically significant for families but not for students. Issues related to family versus individual behavior change are discussed, along with implications for managing behaviorally based activity and nutrition interventions within a rural community.

Optimal Defaults in the Prevention of Pediatric Obesity: From Platform to Practice

“…For children, increasing the proportion of exercise time during the school day has positive effects on overall activity levels [82–84] and BMI. The most successful studies were those that increased the amount of time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity [85].…”

Project ReFresh: Testing the Efficacy of a School‐Based Classroom and Cafeteria Intervention in Elementary School Children

“…Parents tend to perceive schools as having a responsibility to reduce childhood obesity and to improve nutritional status of children . Various school‐based intervention approaches include physical activity programs, classroom‐based nutrition education, educational curricula geared toward exercise, as well as diet and/or behavior modification . Previous school‐based nutrition interventions have shown some success at improving dietary behavior, attitudes, and fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption in school‐aged children …”

A Pilot Examination of Outcomes From an Adolescent Residential Treatment Facility Health and Wellness Intervention on Body Mass Index

“…Findings from multiple studies indicate that providing health interventions in school-based settings can improve overall obesity levels, produce significant weight reductions, and reduce television viewing hours, while increasing fruit and vegetable consumption (Gortmaker et al, 1999;Hawley, Beckman, & Bishop, 2006).…”

“…"Percentiles are the most commonly used indicator to assess the size and growth patterns of individual children in the United States. The percentile indicates the relative position of the child's BMI number among children of the same sex and age" (CDC, 2009 (Gortmaker et al, 1999;Hawley et al, 2006).…”