School-Based Interventions in Low Socioeconomic Settings to Reduce Obesity Outcomes among Preschoolers: A Scoping...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatrics
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Pediatric obesity is a growing global concern, particularly in rural, low-socioeconomic communities.
• Existing interventions for preschool-aged children (2-5 years) have yielded mixed results, with limited focus on underserved populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review on the effectiveness of school-based interventions targeting adiposity-related outcomes in preschoolers from low-socioeconomic backgrounds.
• To identify successful intervention strategies and areas for future research.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE and EBSCO databases (ERIC, Food Science Source).
• Fifteen studies meeting inclusion criteria (school-based interventions, adiposity outcomes, preschoolers in low-socioeconomic/rural/underserved areas) were assessed.
• Interventions were categorized as successful or inconclusive based on primary outcome measures.

Main Results:

• Nine of the fifteen reviewed studies reported successful reductions in adiposity-related outcomes.
• Successful interventions demonstrated improvements in Body Mass Index (BMI), BMI z-score, waist circumference, skinfold measurements, and body fat percentage.
• Multicomponent interventions incorporating nutrition education, physical activity, and parental engagement were highlighted.

Conclusions:

• School-based interventions can effectively target pediatric obesity in low-socioeconomic settings.
• A multicomponent approach combining nutrition, physical activity, and parental involvement appears most effective.
• Further research is necessary to establish efficacy and long-term outcomes of these interventions.