Impact of “Open School Policies” and Community Access to Physical Activity Facilities on Childhood Obesity and Fitness

Purpose: Low income communities face greater challenges in overcoming physical inactivity. This study is part of efforts by the Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program (CCROPP) to explore the roles of public access to school space in increasing opportunities for physical activity. The purpose is to determine the association between community access to school space in the California San Joaquin Valley schools (SJV)and meeting healthy body composition and fitness standards. Methods: 400 schools randomly selected from 8 SJV counties constitute the sample. The dependent variables were: percent of students passing the Body Composition assessment and percent of students passing 6 of 6 fitness tests. The independent variables were: school characteristics; location (urban or rural, CCROPP vs. Non-CCROPP community); percent of students receiving free/reduced price meal (<60% or >= 60%), communities are among those allowed to use school physical activity facilities after school hours, (Yes or No). A least squares regression weighted by number tested was used to analyze the data. Findings: Preliminary findings show a significant association between school characteristics, policy approach and access to school physical activity space by community and students during non-schools hours with either body composition or passing 6 of 6 fitness standards. Conclusion: Policies that facilitate community access to school space during non-school hours could help in reducing childhood obesity. This study suggests that a policy initiated by the school district maybe more effective than other approaches in increasing number of children who meet fitness standards.