A nutrition curriculum for families with high blood pressure

A nutrition curriculum for 48 students age eight-18 years with high blood pressure was implemented in Franklinton, La., as part of A Dietary/Exercise Alteration Program Trial (ADAPT), a model promoting reduced sodium (Na+) and energy intake and increased potassium (K+) intake. A teacher guide listed basic concepts, teacher and student activities, materials, behavioral outcomes, and evaluation for 12 lessons at three age levels. Games were used to present new information and increase student involvement. Taste-tests promoted attitude change regarding acceptable snacks. Decision-making and assertiveness topics facilitated independent food choices and coping with peers. Self-monitoring of intakes encouraged personal responsibility for eating behavior. Results of paired t-tests showed knowledge increased 8.7% in the spring (p less than 0.01), 4.9% in the summer (N.S.), and 7.3% in the fall (p less than 0.0001). No significant differences in increase in posttest scores by age were found. Comparisons of curriculum compliance with medication use and blood pressure change showed no relationship. A multiple regression analysis of sodium-creatinine (Na+/Cr) ratios on class attendance and posttest scores showed that children with the highest test scores had lower Na+/Cr ratios. This program increased information and skills for those motivated to change lifestyle to control obesity and blood pressure.