P10 A systematic review of current literature on interventions among first-year university students and how this may influence current policy on child obesity strategies within the UK

Abstract

BackgroundWith the steady rise of obesity within the UK, the Government has been increasingly developing policy to curb these figures. Great focus has been put on early implementation of a wide range of interventions in educational settings, but results show little improvement.AimTo evaluate health interventions amongst first-year university students with the intention of influencing current policy on obesity prevention amongst children.MethodsA literature search, utilising PRISMA reporting guidelines, was carried out on health intervention studies that focus on first-year university students. To formulate the search strategy, UK obesity policy was input into a PICO Framework.ResultsEight studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Results showed that when measuring weight-related outcomes, no significant improvement was found; secondary outcomes, especially those regarding physical activity demonstrated greater benefit but the link to obesity prevention proved to be relatively weak.DiscussionDue to differing demographics between where the studies were based as well as cultural differences regarding views on leisure and diet led to lack of applicability to UK students.Environmental factors between compulsory and higher education must also be considered as it may be a case of creating new strategies rather than re-applying a pre-established policy.Ultimately, the lack of comparable studies reflects on the lack of understanding of the overall issue of childhood obesity and thusly its prevention.ConclusionWith evidence-based policy increasing in popularity, it is questionable as to whether the target population for child obesity strategies could widen to include first-year university students.