title: The association between overweight and school policies on physical activity: a multilevel analysis among elementary school youth in the PLAY-On study.
abstract: The objective is to examine school-level program and policy characteristics and student-level behavioural characteristics associated with being overweight. Multilevel logistic regression analysis were used to examine the school- and student-level characteristics associated with the odds of a student being overweight among 1264 Grade 5-8 students attending 30 elementary schools in Ontario, Canada. Data were derived from the Physical Activity of Youth in Ontario Schools host study. Significant between-school random variation in overweight was identified [σ²(μ0)=0:187 (0:084), P < 0.001]; school-level differences accounted for 5.4% of the variability in the odds of a student being overweight versus a normal weight. A student attending a school that was in the action phase for the school-level construct 'Availability and use of interschool programs' was significantly less likely to be overweight than a similar student attending a school that was in the initiation phase for this construct. Important student-level characteristics included physical activity (PA) and gender. Developing a better understanding of the school- and student-level characteristics associated with overweight among youth is critical for informing school-based prevention policies. Future research should evaluate if implementing and promoting interschool PA programming, and which types of interschool activities, are effective in preventing or reducing overweight.
authors.affiliation: Department of Population Studies.urveillance, Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, Canada. scott.leatherdale@cancercare.on.ca
authors.forename: Scott T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Leatherdale
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009864:Ontario; D016134:Organizational Policy; D050177:Overweight; D012574:Schools