School-based obesity prevention programs in rural communities: a scoping review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this scoping review is to map the available literature on school-based obesity prevention programs in rural communities. INTRODUCTION: Significant health disparities are associated with childhood obesity, and these disparities disproportionately affect children in disadvantaged communities, such as rural areas. Youth in rural areas are 26% more likely to be obese than youth in urban communities. To combat obesity in children, schools have become an avenue for educating children about the importance of healthy diet and physical activity. Although many school-based obesity prevention programs have been implemented in recent years, more information is needed on programs in rural communities. INCLUSION CRITERIA: This scoping review will consider studies that include children 5 to 18 years of age who are enrolled in elementary, middle or high school in a rural setting and that investigate school-based obesity prevention programs. Studies that include children who are in non-rural areas, who are home-schooled, who are in an alternative setting (e.g. juvenile detention) or who are hospitalized will be excluded. Studies published in English since 1990 will be included. METHODS: Multiple databases will be searched, including PubMed, CINAHL, ERIC, Embase, Scopus and Academic Search Premier. Trials registers and gray literature will also be searched. After screening the titles and abstracts of identified citations, potentially relevant studies will be retrieved in full. Data will be extracted by independent reviewers and presented in a diagrammatic or tabular form, accompanied by a narrative summary.

Cultural models of illness and recovery in breast cancer support groups.

In an ethnographic study of breast cancer support groups for white women, the authors describe the cultural model of illness and recovery espoused by the groups and examine contested areas that might influence participation. Through analysis of interviews, observation at meetings, and program documents, they develop a model of group culture that includes five components: recovery narrative, group metaphors, perceived benefits, group processes, and contested domains. The recovery narrative focuses on optimism and personal growth, and members invoke metaphors of family and sisterhood to describe their relationship to the group. Linkages are made between perceived benefits and group processes. Contested domains challenge dominant features of the recovery narrative. The authors discuss the value of cultural studies of illness support groups for understanding member-group fit.

A historical comparison of child and parent reports of injury prevention behaviors: findings from the Pinellas County Omnibus Study.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the motor vehicle injury prevention behaviors reported by the 12th-grade cohort of the Pinellas County Omnibus Study for years 2001-2002, compare these findings to those reported by parents in 1991-1992, and discuss the role of public health and injury prevention in these efforts. The questions in 2001-2002 were modeled after the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) injury prevention items. Comparisons of findings in 2001-2002 and 1991-1992 were done using chi analyses. In addition, 2001-2002 results were compared to the 2001 Florida YRBS and national YRBS findings. The results of the study showed that the Omnibus cohort was significantly more likely to report safer motor vehicle injury prevention behaviors in 2001-2002 than what was reported by parents in 1991-1992. Also, the student cohort reported safer behaviors for all items than did Florida and US 12th-grade students as shown in the state and national YRBS results. The ecological model most likely contributed to these findings because there are comprehensive health education and injury prevention efforts in the state, Pinellas County schools, and in the community, including a very active community traffic safety team and the passage of significant statewide injury prevention legislation.