[Cardiovascular Health School Program (PESCA). Methodology and initial results: 2018-2020]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Public Health Interventions
• Childhood Obesity

Background:

• High prevalence of childhood overweight/obesity (40%) and cardiovascular disease risk (2/3) in Spain.
• Lack of protocolized, efficient interventions for pediatric obesity.
• The PESCA project addresses this gap through a comprehensive approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children.
• To increase physical activity (PA) quantity and quality.
• To improve children's eating habits.

Main Methods:

• A 5-step school-based protocol including questionnaires, BMI, bioimpedance analysis (BIA), hand grip dynamometry (DIN), and medical examination.
• Involvement of families and primary care physicians.
• Personalized medical reports and recommendations provided to participants.

Main Results:

• Significant increase in weekly physical activity (20.12%, p < 0.001).
• Significant decline in overweight/obesity prevalence in girls (35.78%) and children under 6 (58.92%, p < 0.05).
• Improved diagnosis and management of pediatric weight issues.

Conclusions:

• A collaborative, transversal intervention involving schools, pediatricians, and families is effective.
• The PESCA model successfully reduced childhood overweight/obesity prevalence.
• This approach enhances diagnosis and promotes healthier lifestyles in children.