School intervention to prevent obesity: A collaborative effort


Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

3346.0: Monday, December 12, 2005 - Board 6

Abstract #112296

Judy A. Johnston, MS, RD, LD¹, James L. Early, MD¹, Joan L. Pritchard, PhD², and Greg Kalina, MS². (1) Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Kansas School of Medicine - Wichita, 1010 North Kansas, Wichita, KS 67214, 316-293-1861, jjohnsto@kumc.edu, (2) USD 265 Goddard Public Schools, 201 South Main, P.O. Box 249, Goddard, KS 67052

Purpose: A suburban school district participated in obesity prevention by influencing physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake among faculty, staff and students.

Methods: The school district and medical school collaborated to plan interventions in schools to increase opportunities for behavior change. The model used focused on changes in attitude, behaviors, environments and policies. “Project Mentors” assumed leadership for projects. Planning facilitation, training, motivational speakers, technical support, and “best practices” were provided by the medical school through a one-year grant.

Results: Surveys measured self-reported physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption, and self-efficacy to increase these behaviors, among faculty, staff, 5th grade students and parents of those students at multiple data points. Key informant interviews were used to document activity. Results of the survey data and lessons learned will be shared.

Conclusions: A partnership between a medical school and school districts can be successful and effective when developing a long-term, multi-level intervention to prevent obesity, if the partnership is structured so that the school district project staff gains the efficacy and skills to work independently.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

1. Discuss at least three necessary elements of a successful collaborative relationship between a medical school and a school district.
2. Describe how evidence-based practices can guide school health intervention planning
3. Apply the intervention model in their school intervention work

Keywords: Physical Activity, Nutrition

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

School Health Posters: Obesity Prevention

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA