title: Application of theory-based health behavior change techniques to the prevention of obesity in children.
abstract: Few studies that apply behavior change constructs such as goal setting, self-efficacy, and readiness for change to childhood obesity interventions exist. The purpose of this study was to adapt these constructs for use within a community-based obesity prevention program designed for fifth and sixth graders and their families. Games, worksheets, and a helpful acronym made the constructs developmentally appropriate and comprehensible to 11- and 12-year-olds. The age-adapted techniques have the potential to enhance obesity programs in a population for whom the obesity issue is critical.
authors.affiliation: Prairie View, Inc., Newton Medical Office Plaza, Newton, KS, USA. ht.beckmann@hosp.wisc.edu
authors.forename: Heidi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Beckman
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hawley
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bishop
mesh_terms: D000004:Abbreviations as Topic; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001828:Body Image; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005717:Games, Experimental; D006040:Goals; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000458:organization & administration; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011582:Psychological Theory; D002666:Psychology, Child; D020377:Self Efficacy; D013664:Teaching Materials