A School Nurse‐Delivered Intervention for Overweight and Obese Adolescents. (24th January 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pbert, Lori; Druker, Susan; Gapinski, Mary A.; Gellar, Lauren; Magner, Robert; Reed, George; Schneider, Kristin; Osganian, Stavroula
• Is Part Of: Journal of school health. Volume 83:Number 3(2013:Mar.)
• Page Start: 182
• Page End: 193
• Publication Date: 2013-01-24
• Subjects: school nurses -- child and adolescent health -- counseling -- nutrition and diet -- research; School health services -- Periodicals; School children -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Health education -- Periodicals; School Health Services -- Periodicals; Health Education -- Periodicals; 371.71
• DOI: 10.1111/josh.12014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-4391

Abstract

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.