title: Free afterschool program for at-risk African American children: findings and lessons.
abstract: A promising afterschool intervention to increase health knowledge and influence choices to reduce risks related to type II diabetes in school-aged, low-income, African American youth is described. Researchers used a community-based program called CASTLES (Communities and Students Together for Learning Enhanced Service). Repeated measures were used to test the effect of the afterschool program on exercise and nutrition. Forty-six children participated in this free program. Significant results demonstrated decreased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and screen time and increased exercise and health knowledge. Communities interested in influencing behaviors related to childhood obesity should develop strong community-based programs, such as the CASTLES model, incorporating nutrition information and structured physical activity.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA. linda.wofford@belmont.edu
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wofford
authors.forename: Deanna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Froeber
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Clinton
authors.forename: Eileen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ruchman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001741:Black or African American; D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D009765:Obesity / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control; D010988:Play and Playthings; D011203:Poverty; D013714:Tennessee