Premium
A School Nurse‐Delivered Intervention for Overweight and Obese Adolescents
Author(s) -
Pbert Lori,
Druker Susan,
Gapinski Mary A.,
Gellar Lauren,
Magner Robert,
Reed George,
Schneider Kristin,
Osganian Stavroula
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of school health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.851
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1746-1561
pISSN - 0022-4391
DOI - 10.1111/josh.12014
Subject(s) - medicine , overweight , body mass index , psychological intervention , physical therapy , intervention (counseling) , obesity , randomized controlled trial , nursing
BACKGROUND Models are needed for implementing weight management interventions for adolescents through readily accessible venues. This study evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of a school nurse‐delivered intervention in improving diet and activity and reducing body mass index ( BMI ) among overweight and obese adolescents. METHODS Six high schools were randomized to either a 6‐session school nurse‐delivered counseling intervention utilizing cognitive‐behavioral techniques or nurse contact with provision of information. Eighty‐four overweight or obese adolescents in grades 9 through 11 completed behavioral and physiological assessments at baseline and 2‐ and 6‐month follow‐ups.RESULTS At 2 months, intervention participants ate breakfast on more days/week (difference = 1.01 days; 95% CI : 0.11, 1.92), and had a lower intake of total sugar (difference = −45.79 g; 95% CI : −88.34, −3.24) and added sugar (difference = −51.35 g; 95% CI : −92.45, −10.26) compared to control participants. At 6 months, they were more likely to drink soda ≤ one time/day ( OR 4.10; 95% CI : 1.19, 16.93) and eat at fast food restaurants ≤ one time/week ( OR 4.62; 95% CI : 1.10, 23.76) compared to control participants. There were no significant differences in BMI , activity, or caloric intake. CONCLUSION A brief school nurse‐delivered intervention was feasible, acceptable, and improved selected obesogenic behaviors, but not BMI .