Addressing the Public Health Problem of Adolescent Obesity: A Pilot Evaluation of the Healthy Choices Inc. Summer Camp Implemented With Adolescent Females as a Response to the Epidemic

摘要

Rates of obesity among urban minority youth persist. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a positive youth development program, the Healthy Choices Inc. camp, designed to reduce the risk of obesity for adolescent urban minority females.;This study involved a pre-test/post-test study design. Data were collected from the participants (N = 12; mean age=13.8 years; mean BMI=21.9), prior to camp and immediately following conclusion of camp. Key survey data assessed participants' (a) self-rating of weight and (b) BMI. Also assessed were their (a) self-efficacy and (b) stages of change with regards to: (c) adding fruit to breakfast; (d) adding vegetable, salad, and/or fruit to lunch; (e) adding vegetables, a salad, and/or fruit to dinner; (f) being physically active for one hour every day per week; and (g) exercising for one hour at least 3 days a week.;Participants evidenced a significant increase from pre-camp to post-camp for self- efficacy to add fruit to breakfast. However, no other health behaviors for other meals, nor any physical activity measures showed any significant change from a 5-day camp. However, participants rated every aspect of their camp experience very highly and multiple camp strengths emerged via themes from the participants' recommendations, as well as from cases of two mentors and three campers.;Study findings suggested that the pilot evaluation of the camp provided important preliminary studies data for use in seeking funding for future research with a larger sample size of campers, and a longer camp period, as well as possible longitudinal and follow-up research on whether or not actual eating behavior and physical activity changes endure, and potential links to health status. Healthy Choices Inc. emerged from the pilot study as a potentially viable model worthy of replication and expansion, while carefully evaluated.;The study provides growing evidence into the effectiveness of these types of programs, but had several limitations, primarily the size of the sample. The hope is that future research will evaluate the camp via a larger cohort, while others may elect to replicate or utilize the Health Choices Inc. camp curriculum design, as an innovation diffusing health-focused camps.