Effect of a School-Based Intervention on Parents' Nutrition and Exercise Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors

Abstract

BackgroundParents exert a significant effect on children's eating behaviors and physical activity levels, so it is imperative to find successful obesity prevention programs that target whole families in underserved communities.PurposeTo investigate the effects of a Coordinated School Health Program (CSHP) on parents in the program over a 2-year period.MethodsParents of kindergarteners (n = 277) in 7 schools participating in a CSHP that served an underserved, predominantly minority community were surveyed at 3 time points regarding their nutrition and physical activity knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KABs). Results after years 1 and 2 were compared with pre-intervention results using t tests. Effects of socioeconomic variables were investigated using multivariate linear regression.ResultsReported unhealthy behaviors were lower at the end of both year 1 (P = .03) and year 2 (P = .04). Numerous factors were associated with changes in KABs in the parents, including parental gender.DiscussionA CSHP may have lasting effects on parental behaviors in an underserved, predominantly minority community.Translation to Health Education PracticeFuture studies should assess the effects of CSHPs in other populations and which factors most significantly affect parental attitude and behavioral changes so that program content may be tailored accordingly.