School-based obesity prevention programs in rural communities: a scoping review protocol.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatrics
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Childhood obesity significantly impacts health, with rural youth facing higher risks (26% more likely to be obese than urban youth).
• Schools are crucial settings for implementing obesity prevention programs, focusing on healthy eating and physical activity.
• Existing literature on school-based obesity prevention in rural settings requires comprehensive mapping to identify effective strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically map the existing literature on school-based obesity prevention programs specifically targeting children in rural communities.
• To identify the scope and nature of research conducted on this topic since 1990.
• To inform future research and interventions for childhood obesity in rural areas.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review methodology will be employed.
• Extensive database searches (PubMed, CINAHL, ERIC, Embase, Scopus, Academic Search Premier) and gray literature searches will be conducted.
• Inclusion criteria focus on school-based programs for children aged 5-18 in rural settings, published in English since 1990.

Main Results:

• This section is not applicable as the study is a scoping review of existing literature and has not yet presented findings.

Conclusions:

• This scoping review will provide a comprehensive overview of the current research landscape.
• Findings will help identify gaps in the literature and guide the development of targeted interventions.
• The review aims to support efforts to reduce obesity prevalence among rural school-aged children.