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Title: The school nutrition program's role in weight management of 4th grade elementary students

Author
item GAO-BALCH, Y - University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/17/2013
Publication Date: 11/17/2013
Citation: Gao-Balch, Y. 2013. The school nutrition program's role in weight management of 4th grade elementary students. Southern Obesity Summit Annual Meeting. November 17-19, 2013, Nashville, Tennessee.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: We are attempting to uncover the school nutrition program's role in weight management of 4th grade elementary students. Data was collected within a time frame for the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) set at two months at the WT Cheney Elementary School and South Wood Elementary for 4th grade students in Pine Bluff Arkansas in the spring, 2013. To assess test-retest reliability of response and consumption, each FFQ were administered by interviews on two occasions with a 2 week separation period. Interviewing techniques were developed by established procedures by our researcher. Validity was assessed by comparing FFQ values with means of three days dietary food records collected for 3 days, beginning the day after completion of FFQ. Students received record-keeping training by researcher. To help children estimate portion size, a book containing life-size, colored food photos was used. For at home collection, parents were given written instructions with sample to help recording the food record. Children's BMI (kg/m2) was provided by Arkansas healthy department service staffs. Nutrition content of food selected for the dietary records and FFQ was determined using the Minnesota Nutrition data system 32, in addition, it is a comprehensive nutrition data-base including data derived from the US department of agriculture tables, food manufactures, the science literature. From our study, we found that their body mass index (BMI) is in association with being fed by the school’s breakfast and lunch program. Children consumed 57% of their calories each day from meals and snacks consumed at school. Children eat 2 out of 3 meals a day at school. Children who eat on a school breakfast and lunch program are more likely to be a healthy weight or be overweight.