%0 Journal Article
%T Effects of a Teacher-Centred, School-Based Intervention Program on Health Behavior and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Elementary School Children
%A Clemens Drenowatz
%A Olivia Wartha
%A Susanne Brandstetter
%A J¨šrgen M. Steinacker
%J ISRN Public Health
%D 2013
%R 10.1155/2013/513183
%X The increasing prevalence of overweight and obese children along with accompanying comorbidities has prompted an early acknowledgement of a healthy lifestyle. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a teacher-centered, school-based intervention on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and health behavior in elementary school children. 935 first- and second-grade children in southwest Germany provided valid data at baseline and follow-up. Trained technicians measured height and weight along with blood pressure, cholesterol, and intra-abdominal fat to determine CVD risk. Parent questionnaires were used to assess childrenĄ¯s health behavior. Within one year CVD risk declined in the intervention group, particularly due to an attenuation of the age-related increase in mean arterial pressure. The age-related decline in habitual sports participation was attenuated, and children in the intervention groups displayed higher odds of playing outside. Further, the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages declined in the intervention group, and TV time remained stable, while it increased in the control group. These results indicate that a teacher-centered intervention positively affects health behavior and CVD risk. The incorporation of the intervention by the classroom-teacher should allow for a sustainable participation, which may result in more pronounced effects over time. 1. Introduction The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased in many industrialized countries [1], and obesity has already been declared as one of the leading threats for public health [2]. Of particular concern is the increasing number of overweight or obese children and adolescents [1], which has lead to the occurrence of various cardiovascular and metabolic disease risks that were previously only observed in adults [3]. Further, overweight children are more likely to become overweight adults [4] and, therefore, have an increased risk for all-cause mortality [5]. In addition to the impact on individual health and quality of life, the increased risk for various chronic diseases associated with excess body fat puts a significant economic burden on the society [6]. While physiologic and genetic aspects need to be considered, high energy intake and insufficient physical activity (PA) have been primarily emphasized as part of the problem [7]. As lifestyle patterns are established at a young age and health behavior has been shown to track into adulthood [8], primary prevention programs that promote sufficient PA and healthy eating patterns at an early age are warranted. Children
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn.public.health/2013/513183/