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The Results of a Home-Based Physical Activity and Nutrition Program of Preschool Children and Parent Perceptions of Barriers
Harvey, Susan Patricia
Harvey, Susan Patricia
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Abstract
Evidence suggests that the family is an important influence on promoting healthy behaviors. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a 4-week home-based program for preschool children. A calendar and weekly newsletters were developed in order to promote healthy behaviors in 5 specific areas. Parents completed a baseline survey and tracked their children's weekly progress. Upon completion of the program, parents were invited to participate in a focus group discussion to explore perceptions about the program and to assess challenges and barriers to adopting and maintaining healthy behaviors. Twenty-five families with preschoolers ages 3 to 5 participated. Significant increases were observed for servings of fruits and vegetables (p<.01) and low-fat dairy (p<.01). Twelve parents attended the focus group discussions in which 3 themes emerged. The findings for this study suggest that a targeted minimal intervention can significantly improve fruit and vegetable consumption and low-fat dairy. However, soda consumption, fast food visits, and minutes of PA seem to be more resistant to change suggesting that future studies need to place more emphasis on these components.
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Date
2008-11-03
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University of Kansas
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This item contains archived web content.
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umi-ku-2749_1.pdf
Adobe PDF, 608.47 KB
- Embargoed until 2158-05-31
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Keywords
Education, Health