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A mixed-methods evaluation of school-based active living programs
Linda L McCreary1, Chang G Park, Lucy Gomez
1College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612-7350, USA. mccreary@uic.edu
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|October 20, 2012
Summary
Active Living by Design (ALbD) programs in a Chicago elementary school reduced student BMI and improved academic performance. This collaborative evaluation highlights the creation of a "culture of health" through integrated health promotion activities.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Childhood Obesity Prevention
- School Health Programs
Background:
- School-based childhood obesity programs often lack robust evaluation methods.
- This study details a collaborative evaluation of Active Living by Design (ALbD) programs at a Chicago elementary school.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of ALbD programs.
- To use triangulated evidence to assess program impact.
Main Methods:
- An exploratory, mixed-methods design was employed from 2004 to 2009.
- Quantitative data included BMI, test scores, discipline records, activity logs, and knowledge surveys.
- Qualitative data involved activity logs and teacher surveys.
Main Results:
- Students continuously enrolled showed significantly lower BMI compared to transfer students.
- Standardized test scores improved, and disciplinary incidents decreased.
- Increased physical activity knowledge and enthusiastic program implementation were observed.
Conclusions:
- Collaborative data analysis demonstrated the positive effects of health promotion activities.
- The school community fostered a significant "culture of health".
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