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Coronary disease risk factor reduction and behavior modification in minority adolescents: the PATH program
P S Fardy1, R E White, K Haltiwanger-Schmitz
1Department of Health and Physical Education, Queens College, City University of New York, NY, USA.
Summary
A school-based health program improved health knowledge in minority adolescents. Girls experienced significant benefits in diet, cholesterol, and cardiovascular fitness, suggesting program effectiveness, especially for females.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Inner-city minority adolescents face unique health challenges.
- School-based interventions are crucial for addressing health disparities.
- Early health education and behavior modification can impact long-term well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess a school-based program's effect on health knowledge, behaviors, coronary risk factors, and cardiovascular fitness.
- To evaluate the impact on multiethnic, inner-city adolescents.
- To determine differential effects between genders.
Main Methods:
- A health promotion intervention group (exercise, health education) was compared to a control group (regular physical education).
- 346 multiethnic inner-city high school students participated.
- The intervention involved 11 weeks of daily circuit training and health lecture-discussions.
Main Results:
- Both groups significantly improved health knowledge scores.
- Girls showed significant improvements in dietary habits, reduced cholesterol, and increased estimated maximal oxygen uptake (V(O2)max).
- Boys did not exhibit significant changes beyond improved health knowledge.
Conclusions:
- A school-based health promotion program combining exercise and education is beneficial for multiethnic, inner-city adolescents.
- The program demonstrated particular effectiveness for females, improving key health indicators.
- These findings support the implementation of similar programs to enhance adolescent health.