ERIC Number: EJ1227773
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Oct
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-4391
EISSN: N/A
Noncomprehensive and Intermittent Obesity-Related School Programs and Policies May Not Work: Evidence from the COMPASS Study
Laxer, Rachel E.; Dubin, Joel A.; Brownson, Ross C.; Cooke, Martin; Chaurasia, Ashok; Leatherdale, Scott T.
Journal of School Health, v89 n10 p818-828 Oct 2019
Background: The school environment has the potential to influence student body mass index (BMI) through programs and policies. Our objective was to examine the effect of modifying obesity-related school policies and programs on youths' BMI trajectories. Methods: Obesity-related school policies and programs related to physical activity and healthy eating were collected from 41 schools across Ontario at baseline (2012-2013) and year 2 (2013-2014) of the COMPASS study. Self-reported height and weight were collected from the 4951 grades 9 and 10 students who attended those schools for 3 years. Linear mixed effects regression models examined the effect of modifying obesity-related school policies and programs on youths' BMI trajectories. Results: Between Y[subscript 1] and Y[subscript 2], 26 of the 41 schools implemented distinct new obesity-related programs or policies related to physical activity or healthy eating. Five of the interventions were associated with BMI trajectories of students attending those schools compared to students attending a pooled sample of control schools, predicting a higher BMI trajectory. Conclusions: Isolated programs and policies may not successfully improve youths' BMI trajectories. Further research is required to test the implementation of policies and programs that follow a comprehensive school health (CSH) approach, targeting BMI and associated behaviors.
Descriptors: Comprehensive School Health Education, Obesity, Evidence, Educational Environment, Body Composition, School Policy, Youth, Physical Activities, Eating Habits, Foreign Countries, Body Height, Grade 9, Grade 10, Program Implementation, Intervention, Body Weight
Wiley-Blackwell. 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Tel: 800-835-6770; Tel: 781-388-8598; Fax: 781-388-8232; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2429/WileyCDA
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 9; High Schools; Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education; Grade 10
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A