STUDENT EDUCATION ADDRESSING PEDIATRIC OBESITY IN MAUI COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Abstract

Background: Obesity and associated comorbidities are a global health concern, with childhood obesity increasing faster than adult obesity. Pediatric obesity is linked to various adverse health outcomes such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and decreased self-esteem. Increasing students’ knowledge about obesity prevention has been found to be both effective and economical. Purpose and Objectives: The goal of this evidence-based project was to create, implement, and evaluate an obesity prevention program for middle school students in the Kekaulike-Baldwin complex area in Maui county. Methods: The original presentation format included in-person modules with activities and quizzes, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and schools utilizing distance learning, all three modules were delivered online and asynchronously using the Nearpod platform. The topics of the modules were nutrition, physical activity, and screen time. The three modules, which were approximately 15 minutes, were available to each student for a total of two weeks. Evaluation: Between two teachers with three classes each, 86 of 132 middle-school students given access completed the nutrition module, 95 of 136 middle-school students given access completed the physical activity module, and 92 of 122 middle-school students given access completed the screen time module. Themes identified by students as the most helpful part of the modules were nutrition label reading, participating in a five-minute exercise, and the screen time calculator activity, respectively. Implications for Practice: Through theme identification using conceptual analysis, middle-school students in the Kekaulike-Baldwin complex area found the online, asynchronous lessons to be highly interactive and engaging. Using these interactive education strategies may help improve knowledge of overweight and obesity prevention strategies.