A cluster-randomized trial comparing two SWITCH implementation support strategies for school wellness intervention...

Area of Science:

• Child Health
• Public Health Interventions
• School Wellness Programs

Background:

• The School Wellness Integration Targeting Child Health (SWITCH) intervention is a feasible approach for schools to promote student physical activity (PA), reduce sedentary screen time (SST), and improve dietary intake (DI).
• This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of enhanced (individualized) versus standard (group-based) implementation support for the SWITCH intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the comparative effectiveness of individualized versus group-based implementation strategies for the SWITCH intervention.
• To determine if implementation strategy or student gender influences changes in PA, SST, and DI.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-two Iowa elementary schools received standardized training and were randomized to either individualized or group implementation support.
• The physical activity, sedentary screen time, and dietary intake of 1097 students were assessed pre- and post-intervention.
• Linear mixed models were used to analyze differential changes in outcomes by implementation condition and gender.

Main Results:

• Both implementation conditions significantly improved PA and SST over time, but DI did not show commensurate improvement.
• No significant differences in PA, SST, or DI changes were found between the individualized and group implementation conditions.
• No differential effects were observed based on student gender for any of the outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Group-based implementation of SWITCH is as effective as individualized implementation for enhancing school wellness programming.
• The SWITCH intervention appears beneficial for both boys and girls.
• Further research is needed to identify school-level factors influencing SWITCH implementation and outcomes.