Impact of a Children, Youth and Families at Risk (CYFAR) Nutrition Education and Technology Curriculum on 3rd Grade Students in a Low-Income, Urban School District

Abstract

Objective: To increase fruit and vegetable consumption and decrease energy dense snacks and sugar sweetened beverages among third grade students in a full-service, low-income, urban community school using a technology oriented curriculum. Design, Setting and Participants: The study utilized a two time by two group quasi-experimental design. A total of 129 students, (treatment 1⁄4 70, control 1⁄4 59) completed pre and post surveys administered through student iPads. The in-school curriculum was taught one hour/week for 13 weeks by a CYFAR nutrition educator. The 30-minute interactive curriculum ‘‘Body Quest: Food of the Warrior (BQ)’’ was supplemented by CYFAR nutrition education materials. Outcome Measures and Analysis: A 5-item food behavior instrument developed for the study was administered by iPad to both groups, week 1 and week 13. Data were analyzed using repeatedmeasures analysis of variance comparing treatment and control groups. Paired t-tests compared within-group pre to post changes. Results: A significant between group difference was found in consumption of sugar sweetened beverages (F1⁄48.7) (p<.01). The number of times students consumed sugar sweetened beverages the previous day declined from 3.2 +/-1.7 to 2.2+/-1.2 in the treatment group while the control mean was unchanged at 2.5+/-1.2 pre and 2.5+/-1.4 post. There was a significant (p<.05) withingroup decrease in the consumption of energy dense snacks in the treatment group but no change in the control group. Conclusions and Implications: Results indicate that CYFAR nutrition education utilizing BQ was effective in decreasing unhealthy food choices in schoolchildren. Funding: USDA, Children, Youth and Families at Risk (CYFAR).