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

Abstract #117240

Margaret E. O'Neil, PhD, MPH, PT, Rehabilitation Sciences, Drexel University, 245 N. 15th St., Mail Stop 502, Philadelphia, PA 19102, (215) 762-1791, moneil@drexel.edu

Purpose: The Kids Fitness Program (KFP) was created in a Community Health Center to provide support and resources to improve weight status, increase physical activity levels and improve nutritional habits for minority children aged 9-14 years who are overweight and living in an underserved, urban area. Methods: This is an after school program conducted three days/week (2 hours/session) with a child component: nutrition education, exercise and recreation sessions; a parent component: nutrition education and support groups; and a parent-child component: parent/child night to support parent-child interaction for experiences to increase physical activity and improve nutritional habits. All component sessions were supervised by community health workers and graduate students (public health, physical therapy, and nutrition) who were trained as child health consultants to deliver education materials and provide interventions. Child measures include: physical activity level, nutrition, BMI, percent body fat, strength, cardio fitness, and satisfaction. Parent measures include program satisfaction. Quantitative and qualitative data analyses were generated. Results: There are no statistically significant findings on child measures. Children increased exercise tolerance with minimal training effects. Child trends indicate increased upper body and abdominal strength and decreased percent body fat. Children report increased physical activity with little change in nutritional habits and parents report satisfaction with the program. Discussion: Attendance and adherence were challenging for children and parents. Conclusion: The KFP is well accepted and valued by participants and Health Center staff. Program revisions are indicated to increase attendance and adherence for improved child and family health outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

• understand the rationale behind a multlidimensional approach to the design and implementation of a community-based program for childhood overweight
• identify appropriate outcome measures for a community-based program for childhood overweight
• discuss the role of the child health consultant in a community-based program for childhood overweight
• discuss reasons for challenges and offer strategies to facilitate positive outcomes in community-based programs for childhood overweight
• identify opportunities for other partnerships to enhance community capacities for providing resources to reduce/prevent childhood overweight

Keywords: Obesity, Child Health

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.

Recorded presentation