title: Effects of an occupation-based obesity prevention program for children at risk.
abstract: Since the prevalence of obesity-related medical conditions in children and adolescents has increased over the past several years obesity prevention has become a vital need for our society and a focus of our professional practice. The primary aim of this pilot study was to increase children's experiences with physical activity and healthy foods to promote self-efficacy related to a healthy lifestyle. Using a pre- and posttest design, the Healthy Choices for Me program was evaluated for its efficacy. Intervention consisted of a 12-week after-school program implemented by occupational therapy students. Elementary-aged children from two lower social economic schools in an urban area participated in the program. Results demonstrated positive changes in food behavior, food self-efficacy, and vegetable consumption for the participants.
authors.affiliation: School of Occupational Therapy, College of Health and Human Services, Touro University Nevada, Henderson, Nevada 89014, USA. cynthia.lau@tun.touro.edu
authors.forename: Cynthia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lau
authors.forename: Devan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Stevens
authors.forename: Jasmine
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jia
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D004032:Diet; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012306:Risk; D012574:Schools; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012923:Social Class; D014505:Urban Population; D014675:Vegetables