University of Massachusetts Medical School Faculty Publications

Title

A school nurse-delivered intervention for overweight and obese adolescents

UMMS Affiliation

Department of Medicine, Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine

Publication Date

2013-3

Document Type

Article

Subjects

Adolescent; Food Habits; Health Promotion; Obesity; Overweight; School Nursing; Social Behavior; Body Mass Index

Disciplines

Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms | Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition | Preventive Medicine

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Models are needed for implementing weight management interventions for adolescents through readily accessible venues. This study evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of a school nurse-delivered intervention in improving diet and activity and reducing body mass index (BMI) among overweight and obese adolescents.

METHODS: Six high schools were randomized to either a 6-session school nurse-delivered counseling intervention utilizing cognitive-behavioral techniques or nurse contact with provision of information. Eighty-four overweight or obese adolescents in grades 9 through 11 completed behavioral and physiological assessments at baseline and 2- and 6-month follow-ups.

RESULTS: At 2 months, intervention participants ate breakfast on more days/week (difference = 1.01 days; 95% CI: 0.11, 1.92), and had a lower intake of total sugar (difference = -45.79 g; 95% CI: -88.34, -3.24) and added sugar (difference = -51.35 g; 95% CI: -92.45, -10.26) compared to control participants. At 6 months, they were more likely to drink soda ≤ one time/day (OR 4.10; 95% CI: 1.19, 16.93) and eat at fast food restaurants ≤ one time/week (OR 4.62; 95% CI: 1.10, 23.76) compared to control participants. There were no significant differences in BMI, activity, or caloric intake.

CONCLUSION: A brief school nurse-delivered intervention was feasible, acceptable, and improved selected obesogenic behaviors, but not BMI.

Copyright 2013, American School Health Association.

DOI of Published Version

10.1111/josh.12014

Source

J Sch Health. 2013 Mar;83(3):182-93. doi: 10.1111/josh.12014. Link to article on publisher's site

Related Resources

Link to Article in PubMed

Journal/Book/Conference Title

The Journal of school health

PubMed ID

23343319

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