Systematic review of school-based obesity interventions targeting African American and Hispanic children

Minority groups are disproportionally affected by the obesity epidemic. Schools represent an environment conducive to targeting obesogenic risk factors. The purpose of this review was to analyze systematically school-based interventions targeting African American and Hispanic children.

Inclusion criteria were: completed experimental and quasi-experimental interventions targeting African American or Hispanic children in school settings located in the United States.

A total of 10 articles met the specified inclusion criteria. Programs that affected body composition included physical activity and nutritional modalities and three of the programs modified school meals. Eight of the interventions incorporated behavioral theory as the framework for the intervention; however, only two programs explicitly operationalized the theories employed.

Efficacy of school-based interventions targeting minorities can be enhanced through explicit operationalization of behavioral theories, incorporation of systematic process evaluation, long-term follow-up of intervention outcomes, and inclusion of the family and home environment.