Journal article

Process and impact evaluation of the romp & chomp obesity prevention intervention in early childhood settings: Lessons learned from implementation in preschools and long day care settings

AM De Silva-Sanigorski, AC Bell, P Kremer, J Park, L Demajo, M Smith, S Sharp, M Nichols, L Carpenter, R Boak, B Swinburn

Childhood Obesity | Published : 2012

Abstract

Background: The Romp & Chomp controlled trial, which aimed to prevent obesity in preschool Australian children, was recently found to reduce the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity and improve children's dietary patterns. The intervention focused on capacity building and policy implementation within various early childhood settings. This paper reports on the process and impact evaluation of this trial and the lessons learned from this complex community intervention. Methods: Process data was collected throughout and audits capturing nutrition and physical activity-related environments and practices were completed postintervention by directors of Long Day Care (LDC) centers (n = 10..

View full abstract

University of Melbourne Researchers

Grants

Funding Acknowledgements

Funding was received from the Department of Human Services, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, City of Greater Geelong, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Leisure Networks, and the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing. In addition, A. Colin Bell and Andrea de Silva-Sanigorski were supported by a VicHealth fellowship and Melanie Nichols was supported by an Australian Research Council Australian Postgraduate Award. Andrea de Silva-Sanigorski was also supported by the Jack Brockhoff Foundation and an NHMRC Capacity Building Grant for Obesity Prevention. Substantial in-kind contributions and resources were also provided by these organizations and many other organizations, particularly Dental Health Services Victoria and Kids-'Go For Your Life.'