Targeting preschool children to promote cardiovascular health: cluster randomized trial.
Am J Med
; 126(1): 27-35.e3, 2013 Jan.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-23062403
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
School programs can be effective in modifying knowledge, attitudes, and habits relevant to long-term risk of chronic diseases associated with sedentary lifestyles. As part of a long-term research strategy, we conducted an educational intervention in preschool facilities to assess changes in preschoolers' knowledge, attitudes, and habits toward healthy eating and living an active lifestyle.METHODS:
Using a cluster design, we randomly assigned 14 preschool facilities in Bogotá, Colombia to a 5-month educational and playful intervention (7 preschool facilities ) or to usual curriculum (7 preschool facilities ). A total of 1216 children aged 3-5 years, 928 parents, and 120 teachers participated. A structured survey was used at baseline, at the end of the study, and 12 months later to evaluate changes in knowledge, attitudes, and habits.RESULTS:
Children in the intervention group showed a 10.9% increase in weighted score, compared with 5.3% in controls. The absolute adjusted difference was 3.90 units (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.64-6.16; P <.001). Among parents, the equivalent statistics were 8.9% and 3.1%, respectively (absolute difference 4.08 units; 95% CI, 2.03 to 6.12; P <.001), and among teachers, 9.4% and 2.5%, respectively (absolute difference 5.36 units; 95% CI, -0.29-11.01; P = .06). In the intervened cohort 1 year after the intervention, children still showed a significant increase in weighted score (absolute difference of 6.38 units; P <.001).CONCLUSIONS:
A preschool-based intervention aimed at improving knowledge, attitudes, and habits related to healthy diet and active lifestyle is feasible, efficacious, and sustainable in very young children.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Enfermedades Cardiovasculares
/
Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud
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Conducta Alimentaria
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Promoción de la Salud
Tipo de estudio:
Clinical_trials
/
Observational_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Qualitative_research
/
Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Adult
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Child, preschool
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
País/Región como asunto:
America do sul
/
Colombia
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Am J Med
Año:
2013
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Colombia