RESUMEN
The effectiveness of the adolescent obesity intervention SHAPEDOWN was evaluated for 15 months through a randomized experimental design study. Test groups (no. = 37) participating in the intervention were compared with a no-treatment control group (no. = 29) at four sites in northern California. The program employs a variety of cognitive, behavioral, and affective techniques adapted to make successive small modifications in diet, exercise, communication, and affect that are sustainable. Very-low-calorie or restrictive diets are avoided in the program. Parents are instructed on strategies for supporting their adolescents' weight-loss efforts. Participation in the group application of the program was associated with significant improvement in relative weight, weight-related behavior, depression, and knowledge of weight management concepts at post-treatment and at 1-year follow-up. Self-esteem increased significantly regardless of condition. Change in relative weight for the test group was -9.9 +/- 14.9% (mean +/- standard deviation) and for the control group was -0.10 +/- 13.2%. At month 15 of the study period, weight change in the test group compared with the controls was -5.15 kg. For all subject variables examined in the test group, mean change in relative weight at 1-year follow-up was negative, suggesting that none of the characteristics examined contraindicate program participation among obese adolescents seeking care. Drop-out rate was 16%. The study suggests that the program produces significant long-term outcomes in obese adolescents and is transferable to a variety of settings.
Asunto(s)
Obesidad/terapia , Adolescente , Afecto , Peso Corporal , California , Terapia Combinada , Estudios de Evaluación como Asunto , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Obesidad/psicología , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
The Heart Program is a health education project developed for elementary school students. It was designed to 1) increase their consumption of complex carbohydrates, and decrease their consumption of saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, and sugar; 2) increase their level of habitual physical activity; and 3) generalize these changes to other family members. The overall program and 12 class lessons were designed using informative instruction, participatory classroom activities, personal goal setting, parent handouts, feedback, and reinforcement. The program was evaluated using a time-series experimental design with all students in three 4th grade classes at School 1 and three 5th grade classes at School 2. Evaluation was conducted using direct observations of eating and activity, as well as paper-and-pencil assessments of knowledge and attitude. Results indicated substantial changes in eating behavior at school, knowledge about heart health, food preferences, and family eating patterns are reported by parents. Observed changes in exercise were minimal during treatment, and were related to seasonal sports activities at follow-up. Eating which spanned summer vacation. These outcomes suggest that school programs developed using specific techniques can be effective in facilitating important behavior changes at school and at home.
Asunto(s)
Dieta , Promoción de la Salud , Cardiopatías/prevención & control , Esfuerzo Físico , Niño , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Estudiantes , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
A longitudinal pilot study gathered data on the onset and prevention of smoking, alcohol, and drug abuse among 526 students from two junior-high-schools in California. Over two school years, students who were trained to resist social pressures toward tobacco, alcohol, and drug use began smoking at less than one-half the rate of those who did not receive special training. Frequent alcohol and marijuana use was also less prevalent among the students who received such training.
Asunto(s)
Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas , Prevención del Hábito de Fumar , Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias/prevención & control , Adolescente , Cannabis , Educación en Salud , Humanos , Drogas Ilícitas , Estudios Longitudinales , Grupo Paritario , Proyectos Piloto , Psicología del Adolescente , Instituciones AcadémicasRESUMEN
Tenth grade health classes in three high schools received a special program focusing on the immediate physiological effects of cigarette smoking and the social cues influencing adoption of the smoking habit, and classes in two control schools received standard information on the long-term effects of smoking. Only subjects in the special program reported a decrease in smoking from pre to post-test; they also scored higher than controls on a knowledge test. Carbon monoxide levels were significantly lower for subjects in the special group at post-test.