ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To present the results of the nutritional component of a Health Promoting School (HPS) project, on the nutritional status of children in an elementary school. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An HPS intervention was designed using children's narrative and participatory action research methodology. Body mass index was utilized to assess nutritional status. RESULTS: In school children the prevalence of excess weight (overweight plus obesity) decreased significantly (p<0.001) after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: In order to develop a successful solution to the problem of excess weight, it is essential to involve those affected.
Subject(s)
Health Promotion/organization & administration , Pediatric Obesity/prevention & control , School Health Services/organization & administration , Body Mass Index , Child , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Mexico/epidemiology , Nutritional Status , Overweight/epidemiology , Overweight/prevention & control , Pediatric Obesity/epidemiology , Prevalence , Prospective Studies , Schools , Urban PopulationABSTRACT
Objetivo. Presentar los resultados de nutrición de un proyecto de Escuela Promotora de Salud (EPS) sobre el estado de nutrición en escolares de una escuela primaria. Material y métodos. Se diseñó una intervención de EPS teniendo como estrategia la narrativa infantil y un diseño metodológico de investigación de acción participativa. Para evaluar el estado de nutrición se utilizó el índice de masa corporal. Resultados. En escolares la prevalencia del exceso de peso (sobrepeso más obesidad) disminuyó significativamente (p<.001) después de la intervención. Conclusiones. La comprensión promovida desde, con y para los propios implicados en el problema del exceso de peso es condición esencial para su solución.
Objective. To present the results of the nutritional component of a Health Promoting School (HPS) project, on the nutritional status of children in an elementary school. Materials and methods. An HPS intervention was designed using children's narrative and participatory action research methodology. Body mass index was utilized to assess nutritional status. Results. In school children the prevalence of excess weight (overweight plus obesity) decreased significantly (p<0.001) after the intervention. Conclusions. In order to develop a successful solution to the problem of excess weight, it is essential to involve those affected.