Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this program development and evaluation project was to improve healthy living for school-aged children and parents through participation in a school-based community wellness program.|Background: Obesity affects 12.7 million children and adolescents; rates are higher between Hispanic and non-Hispanic black population (CDC, 2017). Children from lower income families are affected by obesity at a greater rate when compared to their counterparts. Obesity is a risk factor for many serious health conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and hyperlipidemia (Fruh, 2017).|Sample/Setting: Participants were selected from a Midwestern community school system. Two of the four fifth grade class sections piloted the program, averaging 22 students per section. The educational session took place at a local community wellness center. The group fitness classroom was utilized for classroom sessions and lesson-specific learning objectives and activities.|Methods: The Community Wellness Program was a required part of the curriculum for the district which began in the fall, 2018 semester. Two groups participated: one with children only and one with children and parents. This project utilized a pre-test post-test design.|Results: Student participant knowledge related to nutrition and exercise increased from pre-intervention (M = 2.0, SE - .16) to post-intervention (M = 2.9, SE = .16). This difference, .92 BCa 95% CI [.55, 1.30], was significant t(38) = 4.99, p < .001, and represents a large-sized effect, d = .80. The biggest improvements appeared in the knowledge of exercise types (62% pre vs 82% post) and muscle knowledge (23% pre and 46% post). Knowledge of daily fruit servings (64% pre vs 74% post) and daily vegetable servings (51% pre vs 72% post) showed smaller gains.|Conclusion: The Community Wellness Program incorporated evidence-based practices, focusing on fun activities to reinforce learning. This method allowed for a successful implementation and statistical significance.