A Multi-Constituent Pilot Study Improves Health Behaviors in Underserved Elementary Students

Abstract

Few successful strategies address lifestyle and behavior change towards food and exercise among underserved children. Children spend the majority of their day in a school setting, providing an optimal environment to target behavior change with limited resources. This school-based pilot study was a collaborative effort among professionals from a state university, a county department of health, a county school system, and a nearby regional public hospital to improve knowledge, intentions, and self-efficacy about nutrition and physical activity among underserved children. Thirty-three, fifth grade students were recruited from a low socioeconomic elementary school (Mean = 10.55 ± 0.56 years). Students were randomly assigned to a treatment (n = 19), or control group (n = 14) for 8 weeks. Once per week, the treatment group received 30 min of nutritional advice, and completed 30 min of functional exercises. Anthropometric and body composition assessments were made, and eating and physical activity behaviors were recorded using the CATCH Kids Club After-School Student Questionnaire at baseline, and at the end of week 8. A 2-way repeated-measure analysis of variance and paired-t tests with Bonferroni adjustments were used to analyze any differences. Physical activity, intentions, and knowledge for a healthy nutrition behavior increased significantly in the treatment group. However, causal inferences could not be made at this time. This public sector partnership demonstrated that a simple school-based intervention can play a role in healthy choices among underserved children.