Testing mediating variables in a school-based nutrition intervention program.
This study identified mediators of a school-based nutrition intervention for 4th graders and their parents. Nine variables were tested for satisfying 4 conclusions necessary to establish mediation of intervention effects on changes in fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC) in 4th graders (N = 1,676). FVC was measured in children by the use of 24-hr dietary recalls. Mediators were assessed by the use of questionnaires completed by children and parents. All 4 conclusions were met for positive outcome expectancies. Knowledge, self-efficacy, and parent consumption satisfied the first 3 conclusions for mediation but the mediating effects were not statistically significant (Conclusion 4). Future mediational analyses and the creation of a national database of mediators are crucial for increasing strength and efficiency of school-based nutrition programs.
Reynolds
Kim D
KD
Center for Behavioral and Community Studies, AMC Cancer Research Center, Lakewood, Colorado 80214, USA. reynoldsk@amc.org
Yaroch
Amy L
AL
Franklin
Frank A
FA
Maloy
Julie
J
D002648:Child; D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011897:Random Allocation; D012572:School Health Services; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires