Differential effects of a school-based obesity prevention program: A cluster randomized trial

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Obesity Prevention
• Health Education

Background:

• School-based interventions are key for childhood obesity prevention.
• The Healthy Buddies™ curriculum showed prior success in improving health outcomes.
• Subgroup effectiveness of such programs requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the Healthy Buddies™ curriculum across different child subgroups.
• To analyze intervention effects based on sex, socioeconomic status, and geographic location.
• To identify potential disparities in intervention outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted in Manitoba, Canada.
• Elementary schools were assigned to either Healthy Buddies™ or a standard curriculum.
• Intervention involved peer-led lessons on healthy eating, physical activity, and self-efficacy for children aged 6-8.

Main Results:

• Healthy Buddies™ participants showed reduced waist circumference and improved dietary intake, knowledge, and self-efficacy compared to controls.
• Significant improvements in waist circumference, knowledge, and self-efficacy were observed in boys.
• Urban-dwelling children demonstrated enhanced dietary intake, knowledge, and self-efficacy, unlike their rural counterparts.

Conclusions:

• The Healthy Buddies™ intervention is effective for boys and urban-dwelling children.
• Program effectiveness varied across subgroups, indicating a need for tailored approaches.
• Further research and curriculum modifications are recommended for equitable health benefits.