STUDENT RUN COMMUNITY-BASED OBESITY PROGRAM FOR HISPANIC FAMILIES

Purpose: Hispanic children and adults have experienced significant rates of weight gain and associated health disparities. Although there are numerous effective weight loss programs for children, less is known about programs for low-income, ethnic minorities. This study examined the effects of an on-going student run program to improve weight in primarily Hispanic families with an overweight child (Body Mass Index (BMI) % > 85th; ages 7 - 10 years). A student-run advisory board managed recruitment, data collection, and facilitated an 8-week group program that focused on diet and physical activity delivered in both English and Spanish. The aim of this research is to examine the difference post-intervention in nutrition, physical activity, and BMI among children engaged in the FIT for Health program. Methods: Self-report questionnaires were collected at baseline and post-intervention to evaluate changes in diet and physical activity behaviors. Also, height and weight measures were collected at baseline and post-intervention to calculate child's BMI percentile. The study variables included eating behavior, BMI percentile, knowledge on nutrition, and physical activity. Univariate analysis was used for descriptive statistics and a dependent (paired) t-test was used to estimate the mean difference between baseline and post-intervention. Results: Baseline and 12-week post-intervention data were collected on 55 children (52% male; mean BMI = 26.6 ? 4.6; 73% > 95th BMI%; mean age = 9.2 ? 1.37, 74% Hispanic) and parents (79% females; mean age = 22 ? 7.4; 26% had a high school education or some college/technical education). Results showed a difference in unhealthy (p < 0.01) and healthy eating behavior (p < 0.01) between baseline and post-intervention. No difference was observed in BMI percentile or physical activity. Conclusions: Findings from this study provide preliminary support for a student-run family-based weight management program for improving dietary behaviors in overweight children. Also, results from this study suggests that a collaborated effort between medical and public health graduate students is a promising strategy for developing sustainable weight management program for underserved children.