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Implementation of a Nutrition Education Program in Primary Schools in an Area with Patrimonial Poverty in Monterrey, Mexico
Author(s) -
Saltijeral Luanda
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.30.1_supplement.lb321
Subject(s) - poverty , intervention (counseling) , medicine , environmental health , nutrition education , promotion (chess) , obesity , consumption (sociology) , health promotion , gerontology , public health , nursing , political science , social science , sociology , politics , law
Objective To implement an educational intervention program for the promotion of healthy lifestyles through the improvement of nutrition practices in children of primary schools in an area with patrimonial poverty in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Method, Participants & Intervention The implementation was carried out during 2015 in 6 primary schools with 1450 children and 316 parents through the following activities: a) 9 school workshops, b) 5 workshops for parents and school community, c) children's clubs for a healthy lifestyle and d) evaluation of the nutritional status (weight and height) of 820 students. Results A pre and post intervention assessment was performed, using a Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices survey (KAP). The data analysis was descriptive. We found a 3.5% higher prevalence for obesity in children participating when comparing with the prevalence reported at state level; however, a decrease in the daily consumption of two or more sugar‐sweetened beverages at school was found (51% vs. 9%). The consumption of two or more fresh vegetables a day increased from 27% to 47% after the intervention and the consumption of foods with high energy density decreased from 48% to 40%. Additionally, 5 children's clubs for a healthy lifestyle were formed and activities in favor of healthier school environments were carried out by each one. Conclusions The intervention resulted in improved nutrition‐related knowledge in children participating in the program, and therefore, better tools that allow them to select healthier foods and to be transmitters of information to their families. Support or Funding Information FEMSA Foundation & Save The Children