Recorded presentation

Norman Eburne, PhD, Department of Health Education, Western Oregon University, 3808 N.W. Camas Place, Corvallis, OR 97330, 503 838-8458, norm40@earthlink.net, Donna Chun, PhD, Dept. of EXSS, BYU-Hawaii, 55-220 Kulanui St., Laie, HI 96762-1294, and Joseph Donnelly, PhD, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Avenue, College Hall, Room 301, Upper Montclair, NJ 07043.

This study was intended to discover if the island of Oahu in the state of Hawaii, with its high degree of ethnic diversity, is able to adhere to any degree of consistency in providing for health education, food services and opportunities for physical activity through its public schools. A total of 132 schools, including 90 elementary, 20 middle and 22 high schools were surveyed. The island is divided into four distinct regions each with a particular character of ethnicity and income level. Health education practices were determined by how well they met the national and state health education standards. Food services were compared to established standards for breakfast and lunch programs as well as the availability of vending machines and access to junk food by students on school grounds or at school activities. Potential for physical activity was measured by such things as regular physical education classes and access to both formal and informal recreational activities on school property. Regions of the island compared were Honolulu, the Windward Side, the Central District and the Leeward Side. Ethnic groups compared were: Native Hawaiian, other Pacific Islanders (such as Samoan and Tongan) Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese and other European students. Income level was determined by eligibility for free or reduced cost school lunch. Analysis of variance and the appropriate post hoc analysis were employed in the treatment of the data.

Learning Objectives: Following this session, attendees will be able to

• Discern any differences in approach to health education, food services and physical activity potential in elementary, middle and high schools
• Recognize any different approaches to health education, food services and physical activity potential in high and low income areas
• Describe any differences in health education, food services and physical activity potential in schools with different predominant ethnic groups
• Discuss differences in health education, food services, and physical activity potential based on regions of the island of Oahu.

Keywords: School Health, Ethnicity

Related Web page: www.ActionFor HealthyKids.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation