INTERVENTION CHANGES OCCURRED FOR SNACKS AND SCHOOL LUNCH MEALS AMONG 4TH GRADE YOUTH

Authors: Cullen, Karen; Baranowski, Thomas; KATHY, WATSON - BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MED; Zakeri, Issa

Submitted to: International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/1/2004
Publication Date: 6/10/2004
Citation: Cullen, K., Baranowski, T., Kathy, W., Zakeri, I. 2004. Intervention changes occurred for snacks and school lunch meals among 4th grade youth. International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. Washington, D.C., June 12, 2004.

Interpretive Summary: Not required for an abstract.

Technical Abstract: Little research has examined specific meal changes that occurred in successful nutrition behavior change programs. Squire's Quest! was a 10-session interactive multimedia computer game for 4th grade students to increase fruit (F), 100% juice (J), and vegetable (V) consumption. Data were collected on 1578 students attending 26 elementary schools that were pair matched on size and percent free or reduced price lunch, and randomly assigned to treatment or control groups. Schools were the unit of analysis. Students also completed 4 24-hour food recalls pre and post intervention. Using a mixed model ANCOVA with pre-consumption as a covariate, intervention school students achieved a 1.0 serving (svg) FJV increase compared with control school students. There were significant differences in fruit at snacks (+0.26 svg, p<0.001) and juice (+0.06 svg, p<0.05), and regular vegetables at school lunch (+0.16 svg, p<0.01) compared with control school Students. These results suggest that the intervention was successful in improving FJV consumption at meals where students had some control. Further research should investigate strategies to improve consumption at breakfast and dinner.