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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Juhee Kim, ScD¹, Jennifer L. Spadano-Gasbarro, PhD¹, Solomon Mezgebu, MSc², Christine Horan, MPH², and Karen E. Peterson, RD, DSc³. (1) Public Health Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115, 617 432 6466, juheekim@hsph.harvard.edu, (2) Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 250 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02108, (3) Nutrition and Society, Human Development, and Health, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115

Objectives To evaluate school readiness for height and weight surveillance in Massachusetts public schools.

Methods We surveyed school health representatives in 39 out of 55 Massachusetts middle schools participating in the Healthy Choices obesity prevention program. The survey was administered in 2005 prior to the program's initiation and included questions on height and weight assessment activity, equipment, protocol, and data use.

Results In 2004, 38 of 39 schools conducted height and weight measurement as part of routine screening; 81% measured all students. In 55% of the schools, only one school personnel participated in the measurements; school nurses (79%) and PE teachers (28%) were more often the measurers. Among the schools, 41% received no measurement training, 26% received training as needed, and 15% received yearly training. Almost all schools used a moveable measuring rod on a platform scale to measure height, rather than a stadiometer as currently recommended; two schools used a ‘home scale' to measure weight. Equipment was not routinely calibrated. Fourteen schools used the data to consult with students and their families and 10 schools provided referrals to overweight students. 61% of schools reported barriers/challenges in conducting the measurements; additional personnel, equipment, and training were cited as needed resources.

Discussion Annual assessment of BMI is recommended as a strategy for preventing and combating childhood obesity. Valid and reliable height, weight measurements are essential for BMI calculations. Schools play a key role in the collection and use of height and weight data. Proper training, equipment and periodic calibration are needed.

Learning Objectives:

• • To evaluate school readiness for annual assessment of weight status among students
• • To document current height and weight assessment activities among public middle schools
• • To document the need and barriers in the height and weight assessment
• • To document whether schools use standard protocols and equipment in the assessment

Keywords: Obesity, Assessments

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered