Health behavior knowledge among Hispanic California islanders: Evaluation of a parental educational intervention

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of a school nurse-led pilot parent-focused education program for healthy eating and physical activity to reduce childhood obesity. DESIGN AND METHODS: A quasi-experimental intervention design was used to assess the knowledge of 11 Hispanic mothers regarding healthy food choices and physical activity over a period of 1 year. RESULTS: There was an improvement in parental knowledge domains. Children's body mass index (BMI) stabilized at the 1-year follow-up in the intervention group, while the BMI increased in the nonintervention group. Outcomes included improvement in parental health knowledge and children's BMI. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Pediatric and school nurse..