Summer camp participants in rural Arkansas ő dietary and lifestyle findings (811.9)

Abstract

The epidemic of obesity and health risks for children affect those in rural as well as urban areas. Nutrition education efforts in the rural Delta during 2007‐2010 involved a partnership between the Delta Obesity Research Prevention Unit (DOPRU) and Phillips County, Arkansas to bring a summer camp program to this impoverished area. Camp included access to food and focused on nutrition, physical activity, and social/behavioral sessions conducted by DOPRU trained student interns. Dietary intake and physical activity data were collected at beginning and end of camp. Over the course of the 4‐year period, 483 children participated (39% male) with a mean age of 9 (age range 5‐14 years). Approximately 37% were classified as either overweight or obese. While improvements in diet were seen during the camp as a result of exposure to fruits and vegetables and whole grains, 24‐hr recalls only showed a trend for increased vitamin C (49mg to 65mg) and decreased sodium (3236mg to 2723mg) from baseline to end of camp (p=.10 and p=.09, respectively). In 2009‐2010, magnesium intake increased from 136mg at baseline to 182mg by camp end (p=.01). There were few changes in physical activity, and notably more than 60% of children reported having a television set in their bedroom, a high percentage given that this is a high poverty area. Despite small changes with positive results, Delta children continue to have poor nutrient intakes and engage in fairly sedentary activities. Interventions to increase awareness of healthy diets which include family participation are desperately needed, along with efforts to increase physical activity.Grant Funding Source: Supported by USDA/ARS 6251 5100 008 00D