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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Allison Brenner, BA and Katherine C. Grady, BA. School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University, 47 College Street, Suite 108, New Haven, CT 06510, 203-785-2844, allison.brenner@yale.edu

Background: Milford's youth are experiencing problems of physical inactivity, leading to an increased risk of becoming overweight early in life. Several Walking School Bus (WSB) programs (chaperoned walking on designated routes to school) have been implemented around the country as a feasible and cost-effective intervention. However, few have been long-lasting and rigorously evaluated. Multi-level community involvement in the design and implementation of a WSB has the potential to create a sustainable program.

Purpose: Through collaboration with the Milford Health Department, this program aims to increase levels of physical activity among elementary school students through a school-based, community approach to obesity reduction. In addition, this program has the potential to reduce vehicle congestion and emissions near the school. This study will assess environmental barriers and community concerns regarding implementation of the WSB.

Methods: In order to gauge community-specific needs, the WSB concept will be presented to parents and school faculty. Questionnaires designed to determine current trends in school transportation, physical activity, and perceived barriers of walking as a reliable mode of transportation to and from school will be administered post-presentation. Survey data will be used to best quantify and qualify recommendations for implementation of the WSB.

Expected Outcomes: Results of the community questionnaires will be used to design a self-sustaining WSB in the Milford School District. This framework for a multi-level community approach will be generalizable to other schools, as well as sustainable due to the early preliminary community involvement.

Learning Objectives: