A College and a University Collaborating on “Moving On” Project: Reducing Hispanic Childhood Obesity

Messmer, Patricia R.; Messmer, Patricia R.

Introduction: Childhood obesity is known to increase risk of obesity in adulthood and can lead to type 2 Diabetes & Cardiovascular Disease (Chen et al, 2016, Evans et al, 2016; Bauer, 2015; Brown, Kuk & Lee, 2015) Treating obesity-related illness in Florida (25%) costs $6,675,940. Latino children are at a greater risk of obesity with prevalence increasing over time. National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) Miami Chapter was a site for Muevete USA™ Project (2012-2015) reducing Hispanic childhood obesity (Milan, 2011). The 2016 project partnered with U.S. 1^st Lady Michelle Obama Let’s Move (www.letsmove.gov). The collegiate ASN/RN-BSN students was at a summer camp while the University BSN students conducted their program in a elementary school.

Purpose: To determine if an education program can increase the level of knowledge preventing childhood obesity focusing on 1) awareness/understanding of food labels; 2) daily portions of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, protein;and 3) incorporating daily physical activity and exercises.

Methodology: A descriptive exploratory research design was conducted with children completing five pre/post tests of 15 questions - “My Plate”; “Food Label”; “Physical Activity and Exercise” “Healthy Snacks” and “Goal Setting”. Content validity was established. Community Health ASN & RN-BSN students participated in Muevete projects at South campus (1^st-3rd) and Homestead (2^nd - 4^th years) . Students, received 10 community hours; orientation, designing posters and attending events. Children were divided into 12 groups (2 students/group) taking food cutouts, making plates with appropriate portions, nutritional requirements and reading labels. In the 4th year, President-elect NAHN, Miami Chapter had 7 University BSN students teach "Moving -On" for two 4th grade classes.

Results: In 2016, 56 children did "Moving-On" at a summer camp in Homestead; 58% males 42% females ages 9-12 Hispanic 75%, White 20%; Black 5%; with 34% change while 42 children did Moving-On during school; ages 10-11, 55% females-45% males 95% Hispanic 3% Caucasian and 1% Asian with 23% change. In 2015, 128 children participated ages ranged 4-15 mean=8.51 years; males- 59% females 41%. Hispanic 74%, Black 36%, White 22%, Asian-1% pretest-posttest scores increasing 9.77-11.81, a 21% change. at the 2nd site, 109 children participated ages ranged 5-12 mean= 8.51 years, males- 65%, females 41%; Hispanic 74%, White 20%; Black 5% Asian 1%; pretest-posttest scores increased 9.77--11.81, 42% change. In 2014, 125 children participated-ages ranged 4-15 mean=8 years, kg-8th grade males-62%, females 38%; Hispanic 55%, White 30%; Black 9% Asian 6%; pretest-posttest scores increased 9.40--10.68, 13.62% change. At the 2nd site 102 children participating ages ranged 4-15 mean= 9 years; males- 54% females 46%. Hispanic 41%, Black 38%, White 13%, Asian-8% pretest-posttest scores increasing 8.33-9.45, a 13% change. In 2013, 130 children participated; ages 5-12; males 50%, females 50%; mostly Hispanics. All mean scores increased pre-to posttest 1^st test 3.13-4.67; 2^nd test 2.94-3.723^rd test 3.50-4.55 4^th test 3.50- 4.13; 5^th test 2.96-3.52

Discussion: Over the past four years over 692 Children drew plates with food portions (www.choosemyplate.gov), ate healthy snacks, exercised to Zumba or exercised to a youtube video, did hand washing techniques, wearing “Moving-On” t-shirts. Parents received nutrition classes. Most missed question -“How much Sodium is in entire food product?” on a food label. Sodium is 440 mg but for 4 servings = 1760mg.

Conclusion: Children learned healthy food habits to overcome childhood obesity. This program increases knowledge of obesity for Hispanic/non-Hispanic children while decreasing associated healthcare costs.