scholarly journals Effect of a school-based intervention in eating habits among school children:quasi experimental study

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Ben Cheikh ◽  
J Maatoug ◽  
R Ghammam ◽  
F Chouikha ◽  
A Mallat ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Childhood obesity has become a public health problem. Worldwide, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children has increased dramatically especially in developing countries. The present study aimed to assess whether six months intervention program with parents' implication in primary schools is able to decrease morning snack consumption among children aged 6 to 12 years. Methods We carried out a quasi experimental study with two groups of schoolchildren in the region of Sousse (Tunisia) from 2015 to 2016. One primary school in each group was selected. In each school, we randomly selected a sample size of schoolchildren and their parents. The intervention was based on healthy eating habits promotion. Results The consumption of morning snacks the day before data collection, reported by children, decreased significantly in post-intervention in both intervention and control groups. The decrease of consumption of morning snacks was significantly higher in intervention group (p = 0.009). According to parents, the proportion of children who had the habit of eating morning snack decreased significantly from pre to post-intervention in intervention group (p < 0.001). Conclusions A healthy environment should be created through effective school policies to prevent obesity. Key messages The consumption of morning snacks reported by children, decreased significantly in post-intervention. A healthy environment should be created through effective school policies to prevent obesity.

Author(s):  
Asma Ben Cheikh ◽  
Jihène Maatoug ◽  
Rim Ghammam ◽  
Firas Chouikha ◽  
Amal Mallat ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveThe present study aimed to assess whether six months intervention program with parents' implication in primary schools is able to decrease morning snack consumption among children aged 6–12 years.MethodsWe carried out a quasi-experimental study with two groups of schoolchildren in the region of Sousse (Tunisia) from 2015 to 2016. One primary school in each group was selected. In each school, we randomly selected a sample size of schoolchildren and their parents. The intervention was based on healthy eating habits promotion.ResultsThe consumption of morning snacks the day before data collection, reported by children, decreased significantly in post-intervention in both intervention and control groups. The decrease of consumption of morning snacks was significantly higher in intervention group (p=0.009). According to parents, the proportion of children who had the habit of eating morning snack decreased significantly from pre to post-intervention in intervention group (p<0.001).ConclusionA healthy environment should be created through effective school policies to prevent obesity.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 927-941
Author(s):  
Reginald A Annan ◽  
Charles Apprey ◽  
Godwin O Agyemang ◽  
Diane M Tuekpe ◽  
Odeafo Asamoah-Boakye ◽  
...  

Background: Adequate nutrition is required for growth and development in children. This study tested the effectiveness of nutrition education on knowledge and BMI-for-age (BFA) of school-aged children in the Kumasi Metropolis. Methods: Children, aged 9-13 years old were recruited from ten randomly selected primary schools in the Metropolis. The schools were randomly allocated into 3 groups: nutrition education (3 schools), physical activity (PA) education (3 schools), both interventions (2 schools), or control (2 schools). Following a baseline nutrition and PA knowledge and status assess- ment in 433 children, twice-monthly nutrition and PA education and demonstrations were carried out for 6 months, followed by a post-intervention assessment. Results: PA and nutrition knowledge improved in all groups (P<0.001); the highest improvement was among those who received both interventions (31.0%), followed by the nutrition education group (29.8%), and the least, the control group (19.1%). Overall, BFA improved by +0.36, from baseline (-0.26) to end of the intervention (+0.10, P<0.001). Within the groups, the nutrition group (+0.65, P<.001) had the highest improvement, then, both the intervention group (+0.27, P<0.001), the PA group (+0.23, P<0.001) and lastly, the control group (+0.18, P=0.001). Conclusion: Nutrition education could improve knowledge and BMI-for-age in school-aged children in Ghana. Keywords: School-aged children; nutrition education; BMI-for-age; nutrition knowledge; basic school.


2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1306-1317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hajer Aounallah-Skhiri ◽  
Habiba Ben Romdhane ◽  
Pierre Traissac ◽  
Sabrina Eymard-Duvernay ◽  
Francis Delpeuch ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the nutritional status of Tunisian adolescents and associated factors.DesignA cross-sectional study based on a national stratified random cluster sample.Subjects and methodsIn all, 1295 boys and 1577 girls aged 15–19 years, of whom 28·4 % had already left school. Socio-economic characteristics of the parents, anthropometric measurements, food behaviours and physical activity of the adolescents were recorded during home visits.ResultsPrevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity (WHO/National Center for Health Statistics reference) were, respectively, 8·1 %, 17·4 % and 4·1 % among boys and 1·3 %, 20·7 % and 4·4 % among girls; abdominal obesity was highly prevalent among both sexes. Prevalence of overweight differed by region (from 11·5 % to 22·2 %) and was higher in urban v. rural areas for males (21·7 % v. 10·4 %) but not for females (21·7 % v. 19·2 %). These differences were partially mediated by socio-economic and lifestyle factors for males. For females, influence of cultural factors is hypothesised. In rural areas, overweight was more prevalent among boys of higher economic level households, having a working mother or a sedentary lifestyle; for girls, prevalence increased with the level of education of the mother. In urban areas, prevalence of overweight was related to eating habits: it was higher for boys with irregular snacking habits and for girls skipping daily meals. Urban girls having left school were also more overweight.ConclusionOverweight and abdominal obesity in late adolescence have become a true public health problem in Tunisia with the combined effects of cultural tradition for girls in rural areas, and of rapid economic development for boys and girls in cities.


2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 1048-1056 ◽  
Author(s):  
Herbert Sagbo ◽  
Didier Koumavi Ekouevi ◽  
Dorland Tafitarilova Ranjandriarison ◽  
Serge Niangoran ◽  
Tchaa Abalo Bakai ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveOverweight and obesity in childhood are serious public health issues, both in developing and developed countries. The present study aimed to ascertain overweight and obesity prevalence rates among Togolese schoolchildren in Lomé, Togo, and their correlation with physical activity, socio-economic conditions and eating habits.DesignCross-sectional survey conducted in December 2015. Overweight and obesity were defined using age- and sex-specific BMI cut-off points of the International Obesity Task Force. Physical activity, socio-economic conditions and eating habits were assessed with a standardized questionnaire. Specially trained medical students interviewed children and collected the data. After bivariate regression analyses, factors associated with overweight/obesity were identified by multivariate logistic regression. Statistical significance was two-sided P<0·05.SettingLomé, Togo.SubjectsRepresentative sample of 634 children (288 boys, 346 girls), aged 8–17 years, who were studying in primary schools.ResultsOverweight and obesity respectively affected 5·2 and 1·9 % of children surveyed. Watching television (>4 h) on weekends (OR; 95 % CI: 3·8; 1·2, 12·0, P=0·02) and medium dietary diversity score (3·0; 1·1, 8·1, P=0·03) were independently associated with overweight/obesity in a multivariate regression model. Eating breakfast in the school cafeteria (0·2; 0·1, 0·8, P=0·03) and eating fruits (0·4; 0·1, 0·9, P=0·03) significantly reduced the risk of overweight/obesity.ConclusionsOverweight and obesity prevalence were linked with sedentary behaviour and non-optimal food diversity. Promoting physical activity and fruit consumption should be explored as interventions to reduce and prevent overweight and obesity in Lomé schoolchildren. In addition, preventive approaches in the social environment of children should be considered.


PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e2651 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazi Enamul Hoque ◽  
Megat Ahmad Kamaluddin ◽  
Ahmad Zabidi Abdul Razak ◽  
Afiq Athari Abdul Wahid

BackgroundOverweight and obesity have increased rapidly in incidence to become a global issue today. Overweight and obesity problems are significantly linked to unhealthy dietary patterns, physical inactivity and misperception of body image. This study aimed to determine whether Malaysian children build healthy eating habits from childhood.MethodsA survey on eating habits was conducted among primary school students in standards 4 to 6 in the state of Selangor, Malaysia. The findings of the study were reported in the form of descriptive statistics involving frequencies and percentages. Data from 400 respondents were analyzed.ResultsOur findings showed that the students understood the definition of healthy food and the types of food that are considered healthy. Although the students knew that food such as deep-fried drumsticks and hamburgers contain a high amount of saturated fat and cholesterol, these foods were still consumed by them. There was also a high consumption of foods that are fried and contain sugar, salt and saturated fat. In choosing food, two major factors contributed to the students’ decisions: cleanliness (65.8%) and the preference of their parents (12.3%).DiscussionOur findings indicate that by implementing the Integrated School Health Program (ISHP) properly, students’ eating habits can be improved by creating a school with a healthy environment.


2006 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosanna Rooney ◽  
Clare Roberts ◽  
Robert Kane ◽  
Lisbeth Pike ◽  
Amber Winsor ◽  
...  

AbstractThe outcomes of a new universal program aimed at preventing depressive symptoms and disorders in 8- to 9-year-old children are presented. The Positive Thinking Program is a mental health promotion program based on cognitive and behavioural strategies. It is designed to meet the developmental needs of children in the middle primary school Years 4 and 5. Four state primary schools were randomly assigned to receive the program implemented by psychologists or to a control condition involving their regular Health Education curriculum. Seventy-two children participated in the intervention condition and 48 children in the control condition. Children completed measures of depressive and anxiety symptomatology, depressive disorders, and attribution style. The intervention was associated with reductions in depressive symptoms and more positive attributions at post-intervention. Compared to the control group, there was a lower prevalence of depressive disorders at posttest and fewer intervention group children developed a depressive disorder at a 9-month follow-up.


Tequio ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 37-47
Author(s):  
Omar Medina de la Cruz ◽  
Edgar Villegas Hinojosa ◽  
Darío Gaytán Hernández ◽  
Sandra Olimpia Gutiérrez Enríquez ◽  
Verónica Gallegos García

Cervical Cancer (CeCa) is a public health problem worldwide. The natural history of the disease goes through different degrees of cervical intraepithelial neoplasms that modulate its transformation, depending on various co-factors related to the eating habits of patients, overweight and obesity, the consumption of food supplements and the intake of light products. The objective of this article is to identify those nutritional co-factors associated with the development of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in women from the city of San Luis Potosí, through the study of cases (100) and controls (300) of patients diagnosed with different grades of CIN by colposcopy, in addition to this, a validated questionnaire was applied, descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out, as well as the calculation of Odds Ratio (OR). The results indicate that the nutritional co-factors identified with a statistical significance were the intake of light and green tea soft drinks, as they are linked to the appearance of cervical intraepithelial neoplasm.


2019 ◽  
pp. 105984051987164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohd Said Nurumal ◽  
Siti Hajar Mohd Zain ◽  
Mohamad Haniki Nik Mohamed ◽  
Shefaly Shorey

Preventing smoking among adolescents is critical. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Smoking Prevention Education Program among nonsmoking adolescents. A quasi-experimental study design was used. Data were collected from Year 5 students ( n = 140) from four government primary schools in the Kuantan and Pahang districts of Malaysia. The participating schools were randomly assigned into the intervention and control groups. Questionnaires and exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) levels were used to collect data at the baseline and at 3 months postintervention. At 3 months postintervention, the percentage of nonsmokers remained 100% in the intervention group, while 2.9% of the participants in the control group reported to have smoked in past 7 days. Comparatively, the mean scores of attitudes, subjective norms, and nonsmoking intentions of the intervention group improved significantly. The intervention was effective in preventing smoking initiations among Malaysian adolescents; however, further evaluation of this intervention is needed among varied populations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Katiya Ivanovitch ◽  
Sonemany Keolangsy ◽  
Nontiya Homkham

Introduction. In recent decades, the developing countries of Southeast Asia, including the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), have experienced a rapid growth of their urban population. Partly as a result of that, issues of undernutrition and overnutrition became a significant public health problem. Objective. To examine the prevalence of overweight and obesity and their related factors, among the school-attending adolescents in the Lao capital of Vientiane. Methods. A cross-sectional data on 300 adolescents aged 15–19 were collected during the months of March, April, and May 2018 by means of a self-administrated questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were used to obtain data on height and weight. Pearson’s chi-squared test, Fisher exact tests, and univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were applied in the course of the statistical analysis. Results. The study found a high prevalence of overweight/obesity (23.3%) and thinness (10.3%). Poor eating habits were noted in 67.0% of adolescents, even though 78.0% of them had a good knowledge of nutrition. Factors significantly associated with the overweight/obesity were low physical activities (aOR = 18.3; 95% CI: 5.51–60.66) and adolescents living with their guardians (aOR = 0.25; 95% CI: 0.08–0.79). Results also indicated that, in 47.3% of the cases, teachers, acting as a source of health and nutrition information, can prevent the risk of adolescents’ overweight/obesity (aOR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.11–3.80) but not their thinness (aOR = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.17–0.88). Conclusions. Laotian adolescents are facing the spectrum of malnutrition in urban areas. To improve adolescents’ nutritional status, there is a need for a collaborative approach of public health agencies that would address the issues of an effective food and nutrition policy. The school curricula should also include programs on nutrition and physical education.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Aboh Akande

Abstract Background: Nurses are particularly vulnerable to acquiring TB because they are in the frontline of patient care. There is inadequate implementation of cost-effective TB infection control (TBIC) measures at most health facilities. Training has been shown to be effective in improving the knowledge and work practices of nurses. This study sought to utilize a mixed-approach educational intervention to improve the TBIC-related knowledge and practices of nurses in two secondary health facilities in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria. Methods: This quasi-experimental study involved 200 (100 each in the intervention and comparison groups). Baseline data was collected in May 2014. This was followed by training of the nurses in the intervention group. After 6 months, the second wave of data was collected and the nurses in the comparison group also received the training after this. The final wave of data collection took place 12 months after the commencement of the study. Mean scores of the nurses were determined and comparison made between both groups at different time points using independent t -test. Results: The nurses in both groups were statistically comparable in their socio-demographic characteristics and baseline mean knowledge (68.6% and 67.7%) and practice scores (79.1% and 80.6%) respectively. After the intervention group received the training, there were appreciable improvements in the post-intervention scores of the group at 6 months (knowledge-85.9%; practice-98.5%), which were significantly different from those of the comparison group (knowledge-69.5%, practice-78.8%). A large effect size was demonstrated in the improvement in knowledge score in the intervention group at 6 months compared with the other group (Cohen’s d = 1.7). Similarly, there were improvements in the scores of the nurses in the comparison group at 12 months after the group had also received the training (knowledge-88.2%, practice-93.5%). At this point, the mean scores between both groups were no longer significantly different. Conclusions: The improvement in post-intervention scores implies that the mixed-approach educational intervention adopted in this study was effective in improving TBIC among the nurses. It also underscores the importance of continuous training/retraining of nurses and other healthcare workers in improving and sustaining TBIC at health facilities.


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