title: Engaging youth in learning about healthful eating and active living: an evaluation of Educational Theater Programs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare knowledge gains and knowledge retention of healthful eating and active living behaviors in elementary school children participating in Educational Theatre Programs (ETP).
  
  
  METHODS
  The study sample included 47 schools (2,915 third- or fourth-grade students) in 8 Kaiser Permanente regions. Children's knowledge of 4 healthful behaviors was measured using a brief survey before and immediately after performances, followed by a post-delay survey 3 weeks later.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Statistically significant increases in knowledge pre/post for individual topics (P < .01). The percentage of children who answered all 4 questions correctly increased from 17% to 63% immediately after ETP performances (P < .01). Knowledge was retained over the short term; the proportion of students who correctly identified recommended healthful eating/active living practices had declined only slightly 3 weeks later.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The ETP significantly improved participating students' knowledge of healthful eating and active living concepts. Theater programs should be considered for inclusion in elementary school health curricula.
authors: Center for Community Health and Evaluation, Seattle, WA, USA. cheadle.a@ghc.org
authors: Allen
authors: A
authors: Cheadle
authors: Carol
authors: C
authors: Cahill
authors: Pamela M
authors: PM
authors: Schwartz
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Edmiston
authors: Sarah
authors: S
authors: Johnson
authors: Larry
authors: L
authors: Davis
authors: Curtis
authors: C
authors: Robbins
mesh_terms: D001154:Art; D002648:Child; D004032:Diet; D004435:Eating; D005522:Food Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D012574:Schools; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States