Moving and Mentoring : Intervention, Description, and Initial Results of a School-based Mentoring Program to Increase Physical Activity and Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in High School Students

Background : Moving and Mentoring is a multi-year, school-based intervention integrated into the school curriculum in the physical education department. Current health behavior data was collected on Freshman (N= 167) the first year of the grant. In the current academic year, mentors (N=15) are working with mentees to increase physical activity, increase fruit and vegetable consumption, and utilize self-regulation techniques.

Methods : In year 1, all High School freshman completed the online Health Behaviors Assessment (HBA). This instrument measures physical activity, diet, sleep behavior, self-regulation skills, self-efficacy, stage of change, and life satisfaction. In year 2, student enrolled in the Moving and Mentoring course as a physical education credit. Students were trained on mentoring skills and motivational interviewing during the first quarter, and mentored other students during the second quarter of the Fall and the current Spring semester. Mentors and mentees were assessed three times during the semester with the HBA, 3-Day PAR, and weekly pedometer logs

Results : Year 1 data on High School Freshman found Body Mass Index had a significant negative relationship to Life Satisfaction, Exercise Self-efficacy, and stress-management skills. Total Minutes of Physical Activity per week was significantly correlated to Fruit and Vegetable Consumption, Life Satisfaction, Exercise Self-efficacy, Barriers Self-efficacy, and stress-management skills (p<.05).

Conclusions : High school students have health and stress issues that need addressed and impact the quality of life of the student. Peer mentoring is a possible approach to improving the health and health behaviors of high school students.