Abstract 270: Self-Efficacy and Cardiovascular Health in 6 th Graders: An Insight from Project Healthy Schools

Abstract

Background: Behaviors such as regular physical activity are associated with improved self-esteem among children and adolescents. However, associations between wellness behaviors (including diet) and both self-esteem and leadership among middle-school children have not been well studied. Methods: Data were collected from middle-school children enrolled in Project Healthy Schools, a school-based wellness program. Baseline data included self-reported information on diet, physical activity, and questions on self-efficacy for empathy and leadership. Physiologic data included body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), heart rates (resting and one minute post exercise protocol), non-fasting lipids, glucose. Respondents were grouped into tertiles based on survey items related to empathy. Results: Data from 1,079 6 th graders (mean age 11.6 years) were included. Students in the low tertile for empathy had higher BMIs than students in the middle/higher tertiles (p=0.03) with no difference between tertiles for lipids (including total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol). A trend towards higher glucose levels was observed among children in the lower tertile compared to the other tertiles (101.2, 99.4, and 99.5 for tertile 1, 2, and 3 respectively, p = 0.58). A similar trend was observed for systolic BP (p = 0.52) but not diastolic BP, resting HR or HR post exercise. No difference was observed between self-efficacy for leadership and any of the physiologic parameters. Those in the highest tertile for leadership self-efficacy were more likely to be physically active, averaging 4.71 (± 2.11) days of vigorous activity; a similar trend was noted for empathy. Moderate exercise (≥ 30 minutes per day) and team sports positively correlated with empathy and leadership. Conclusions: Among middle-school students, measures of empathy and leadership were associated with higher levels of physical activity and participation in team sports; but not with physiologic parameters. Given that higher levels of empathy and leadership were associated with lower BMI, it is possible that programs which improve leadership skills and promote empathy can improve healthy lifestyle habits.