The effects of the training program to improve healthy nutrition and physical activity behaviors of school children on weight management

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effects of the training program to improve healthy nutrition and physical activity behaviors of primary school children on weight management. Materials and methods: This study was a quasi-experimental follow up study with pretest and posttest design and included the 5th, 6th and 7th primary school graders (n=122) in İzmir metropolitan city. Experimental group covered 66 and the control group covered 56 students. We identified students’ dietary habits and physical activity behaviors and the influencing factors and prepared and implemented a training program related to their learning needs. Students’ behaviors were monitored for six months and impact of the program was evaluated. Results: Risky eating behaviours in the experimental group decreased but contrary it increased in the control group statistically (p <.05). In the intervention group, mean scores of Physical Activity Questionnaire increased significantly (p <.05). There was no change in the self-efficacy level of the control group students while an increase in the intervention group was detected. Although no statistically significant differences were detected between the two groups in the pretest in terms of weight management, but in the post test it increased in the experimental group (p<.05) The obtained value of OR was 2.99. Conclusions: The training program was effective and made changes in healthy nutrition and physical activity behaviors and so in weight management in the experimental group compared to control group.