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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Alexis Deavenport, MPH¹, Kristopher Cowen, MPH¹, Christina Irsilious, BS¹, Khankeo Lounnivongsa, MPH¹, Sanam Kazemi, BS¹, Julie Schaepper, MPH¹, Magdalena Zamora-Flyr, MS¹, Patti Herring, PhD, RN¹, Kiti Freier, PhD², and Elizabeth Holzhauser, MPH¹. (1) School of Public Health, Dept. Health Promotion & Education, Loma Linda University, Nichol Hall, Loma Linda, CA 92350, 818-620-0080, axport@hotmail.com, (2) School of Science & Technology, Loma Linda University, Graduate School, Central Building 11130 Anderson, Loma Linda, CA 92350

Obesity is becoming an epidemic in youth across the US. Locally in San Bernardino, CA, 35 of every 100 children are overweight. At a local Head Start Program children between ages 2 and 6 years are weighed twice a year, and their weights are compared to growth chart averages to determine if they are overweight. The parents of overweight preschoolers are required to attend a program on nutrition; however subsequent follow-up indicates that the children continue to be overweight. A needs assessment was conducted using ethnographic observations, 12 key informant interviews, and 2 focus groups to help determine the best intervention. The guidelines were formulated using the Theory of Planned Behavior. Transcribed and coded interview and focus group results indicated that contributing factors seem to center on a lack of safe areas for adequate exercise, and the inaccessibility of healthy foods. Parents voiced other barriers such as dislike of vegetables, eating fast foods, and a lack of time. In order to prevent these preschoolers from becoming overweight later on, parents need additional education about the benefits of good nutrition and exercise since parents are the preschoolers' primary socialization agent and overseer of the child's interaction with the environment. Parents indicated they were most interested in an exercise program for themselves and their preschoolers. In response to their needs and desires a pilot program was developed, implemented, and evaluated. Process, impact, and outcome evaluations were conducted for program improvement and sustainability.

Learning Objectives: By the end of the session, participants will be able to

• Identify three long-term health problems encountered among children who are overweight or obese.
• Identify three unique barriers that parents face in providing their preschoolers and children with a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
• Describe how they would implement some of the project’s lessons learned in their own lives and communities.

Keywords: Health Disparities, Children's Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No