Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate an expanded version of the Food Fit program, a Social Cognitive Theory based (SCT) nutrition intervention, among children in a low-income community. Eighty-five children ages 8 to 13 (mean=9.15 years; SD=1.05) were enrolled in this study. Impact and outcome measures included BMI percentile and dietary behaviors, which were evaluated before and after the program, and after a three-month follow up period. In addition, constructs of social cognitive theory, including behavioral capabilities (BC), self efficacy (SE), and outcome expectancies (OE), were evaluated before and after each lesson. Results indicated statistically significant improvements for BC’s in 11 of the 14 lessons (p=0.001), but changes in SE’s and OE’s did not reach levels of significance. There was also a significant improvement in overall dietary behaviors (p=0.036), and an increase in BMI percentile for normal weight children only (p=0.001). Compared with the previous implementation of Food Fit with children from middle-income families, this group had a similar level of changes for knowledge and skills, but fewer self-reported changes in confidence and desire to use the knowledge and skills discussed during the program. Reasons for these differences necessitate further investigation.
Highlights
Childhood obesity has tripled in the past thirty years, and currently 31.8% of children (2-19) are either overweight or obese, and 16.9% are obese (Ogden, Carroll, Kit, & Flegal, 2012)
Experts agree that early opportunities for health promotion are key, and could help alleviate future health disparities and health care costs associated with these problems
In a metaanalysis of 57 randomized controlled trials of childhood obesity prevention programs, 19 studies focused on improving nutrition (Thomas, 2006)
Summary
Childhood obesity has tripled in the past thirty years, and currently 31.8% of children (2-19) are either overweight or obese, and 16.9% are obese (Ogden, Carroll, Kit, & Flegal, 2012). This is of concern since obesity has been associated with numerous medical issues including type-2 diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome (Daniels, et al, 2005). Topic: Explain & Conduct Hands on Activity Example: Lesson 1 -Identify Where Calories Come From (Foods and Drinks) -Identify How Bodies Use Calories (Bodies use energy and store away extra energy) -Identify ‘Choosing Lower Calorie Snack Foods’ as a Strategy for Healthy Eating OE’s.
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