Project Health: Addressing the health hazards posed by the epidemic of obesity and CVD among African-American youth in Mississippi

Background: The increasing obesity trend has far-reaching consequences in Mississippi as obesity plays an important role in the development of hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, CHD, and stroke. Obesity related morbidity account for 7.0% of U.S health care costs. As a result, the Mississippi State Department of Health has challenged schools, individuals, communities, and professionals to take steps to ensure that good health, as well as long life, is enjoyed by all.

Purpose: The study exposed African-American students to instruction that was developed to serve as a health promotion tool for children at risk for premature cardiovascular diseases.

Significance: High school students in Mississippi were exposed to instruction in a classroom setting to help them develop the capacity to reduce risk behaviors that lead to chronic disease.

Method: The students were administered a pre-test to determine their level of awareness regarding CVD and their daily practices and behaviors. Upon completion of the activities, the students were administered a post-test to determine knowledge gained and possible changes in behaviors and practices. The pretest and posttest were compared to assess the impact of the intervention activities. Results: Students' behaviors changed in several of the categories after the intervention. The results of the study indicate that the Project Health prevention/intervention program positively impacted student behaviors and practices, thus showing great promise as a tool to help them improve their quality of life.

Conclusions: Implementing this program to increase weight maintenance, weight reduction, and health should become a public health priority and an education priority.