185596 Efficacy to effectiveness: Is it successful in the school environment?

Wednesday, October 29, 2008: 9:05 AM

Noha H. Farag , Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Oklahoma, Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
William E. Moore, PhD , Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Oklahoma, Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
David M. Thompson, PhD , College of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Cee Kobza, RN, ARNP , Anadarko Public Schools, Anadarko, OK
Kathryn Abbott, RN , Anadarko Public Schools, Anadarko, OK
June E. Eichner, PhD , Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Oklahoma, Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Background: The efficacy of physical activity in improving cardiovascular disease risk profiles has been well established. However, the effectiveness of health promotion programs implemented at the community level has not been thoroughly examined. Therefore, this study examined the effectiveness of a school-based work-site wellness program in improving cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Method: Using a community-based participatory research model, a work-site wellness intervention was implemented in a rural public school system in Southwestern Oklahoma. During the 2005-2006 school year, 202 participants completed a pre intervention screening for cardiovascular disease risk factors followed by a physical activity promotion program. Post intervention screening was conducted after a 6 month period. During both screening sessions, body composition, blood pressure, lipids, glucose and self-reported physical activity levels were assessed.

Results: During the post intervention screening, compared to pre intervention levels, participants had lower total and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (t = 5.9, p < 0.0001, and t = 2.6, p = 0.01 respectively) and lower systolic blood pressure (t = 2.9, p = 0.004). Compared to women, men had significantly larger drops in total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein -cholesterol following the intervention (F = 3.8, p = 0.02; and F = 4.9, p = 0.03 respectively).

Conclusions: Changes in cardiovascular disease risk factors can occur among school employees by generating interest in personal health and engaging school personnel in a community effort to improve employee health profiles. Promotion of physical activity can be effectively delivered in the school environment.

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the components of a school-based health promotion program 2. Assess the effectiveness of the community-based participatory approach to health promotion in the school environment.

Keywords: Community Health Promoters, Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I took part in collection of this data. I also analyzed the data and wrote this abstract.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.