Childhood Obesity, Hunger
Conditions
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate the effects of a school breakfast policy initiative (SBPI) on the incidence of overweight and obesity as well as breakfast patterns (both inside and outside of school) among 4th-6th grade children. The study integrates research, education and extension to promote healthy breakfast consumption among low-income children in urban schools and will leverage ongoing SNAP-Ed and the School Breakfast Program efforts.
Detailed description
Policy makers have promoted school breakfast participation as a tool to help prevent childhood obesity. No randomized controlled trials have examined the effects of a school breakfast feeding program on obesity. We propose to develop and evaluate a School Breakfast Policy Initiative (SBPI) that combines classroom feeding, in-school nutrition education, social marketing and parent outreach. Specifically, we will promote the benefits of a healthy breakfast at school or home and deter buying breakfast at corner stores where purchases are high in energy, solid fats and added sugars. This intervention will be evaluated in the real world of urban schools that make frequent use of the SNAP-Ed and the School Breakfast Program. The specific aims are: 1. To develop the SBPI intervention within the context of SNAP Ed and the National School Breakfast Program in the School District of Philadelphia. 2. To conduct a pilot feasibility study among 4 schools (2 intervention and 2 control) to assess feasibility and acceptability. 3. To compare participants in the intervention (n=8) and comparison schools (n=8) on the incidence of overweight and obesity. We predict that intervention schools, compared to the comparison schools, will have a significantly lower incidence rate of overweight and obesity over a 2 y period. 4. To compare participants in the intervention (n=8) and comparison schools (n=8) on eating one breakfast. We predict that intervention schools, compared to the comparison schools, will have significantly greater percentage of children eating one breakfast per day over a 2 y period.
Interventions
OTHERClassroom feeding
Students are fed breakfast in the classroom at the start of the school, rather than the cafeteria before school.
BEHAVIORALNutrition education lessons
Students receive breakfast specific nutrition education lessons.
BEHAVIORALSocial Marketing
A social marketing campaign designed to promote consumption of one healthy breakfast a day. The marketing includes a healthy breakfast points-based reward program designed by the students and promotional campaigns.
BEHAVIORALParent outreach
A variety of communication methods that engage families and offer education that meets their needs, including school breakfast menus, parent newsletters, and information tables at parent-teacher meetings.
Sponsors
The Food Trust
The School District of Philadelphia
Temple University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
7 Years to 16 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* 4th-8th grade Philadelphia public school students.
Exclusion criteria
\-
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Body Mass Index | Pilot Study: baseline (September-October 2012), 8-9 month follow up (May 2014). Main Trial: baseline (September-December 2013), 16 month follow up (January-March 2015), 32 month follow up (April-June 2016) | BMI is calculated using students' height and weight measurements. |
| Breakfast Consumption habits | Pilot Study: baseline (September-October 2012), 8-9 month follow up (May 2014). Main Trial: baseline (September-December 2013), 16 month follow up (January-March 2015), 32 month follow up (April-June 2016) | Measured using a breakfast intake questionnaire. |
| Hunger | Pilot Study: baseline (September-October 2012), 8-9 month follow up (May 2014). Main Trial: baseline (September-December 2013), 16 month follow up (January-March 2015), 32 month follow up (April-June 2016) | Measured using a hunger scale questionnaire. |
| School meal participation rates | Every month for 34 months (September 2013-June 2016) | — |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed