'The Pyramid of Success" the health promotion program for school- children with visual impairment. (13th November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wrzesinska, M; Binder, K; Rakoczy, J; Tabała, K; Lipert, A
• Is Part Of: European journal of public health. Volume 29(2019)Supplement 4
• Publication Date: 2019-11-13
• Subjects: Epidemiology -- Europe -- Periodicals; Public health -- Europe -- Periodicals; 362.109405
• DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckz187.047
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1101-1262

Abstract

Abstract: Issue/problem: Young people with visual impairment (VI) are more likely to have low literacy comparing to the rest of population. Additionally, they are at the high risk of obesity what has been attributed to poor food choices or lack of physical activity. Hence, interventions to support their nutrition status are needed. Description of the problem: One hundred eighty six students aged 10-18 years (M = 13.9; SD = 2.44) selected from 6 schools for pupils with VI. An intervention describing healthy lifestyle guidelines was performed. Two innovative tools concerning nutrition guidelines tailored to the needs of people with VI were used during intervention: The Healthy Lifestyle Pyramid (HLP) and the Puzzle Game (PG). Participants were devoted to the Control Group (CG; N = 94) where only HLP was used and the Study Group (SG, N = 92) who participated in the classes with both tools: HLP and PG. Before and just after intervention a single-choice questionnaire regarding health literacy comprising 15 questions was used to verify the level of required knowledge regarding nutrition. Results: There was a significant main effect of using HLP in the CG F(1. 132)=14.524, p < 0.001. The main effect of using HLP and PG in the SG was also significant, F(1. 132)=6.188, p = 0.014. The actual difference in mean scores between SG and CG was medium. The effect size, calculated using partial eta squared, was .045. Lessons: The interventions with tools tailored to the needs of people with VI had positive significant impact on nutrition knowledge. Health promotion activities focusing on the health literacy improvement are more effective when various approaches are used to present information. Future health promotion activities should be adjusted to the needs of different populations to provide an equal access to healthy behaviours and to enhance health literacy. Key messages: Using tools tailored to the needs of people with VI provide an equal access to health promotion. Health promotion activities are more effective when range approaches are used to present information.