Method: The subjects were 57 (experimental = 28, control = 29) 5th and 6th graders who reached over 150% in Röhrer index. The program was consisted of 12 sessions and conducted during May to October 2003. The study variables were Röhrer index; fat mass and lean body mass rate examined by body composition analyzer (MESMED, BA 2000); and health habit, obesity stress, dietary self-efficacy and exercise self-efficacy surveyed by self-reported questionnaire. The data were analyzed by percentage, χ2 –test, t-test and ANOVA using SPSS PC program. . Finding: Röhrer index and fat mass rate were more decreased and lean body mass was more increased in experimental than in control group, but they were not significantly different between the two groups. On the other hand, Röhrer index was significantly decreased in posttest only in boy student group (t = -3.12, p = .003). The score of obesity stress was also more decreased (t = -2.33, p = .024) and that of dietary self-efficacy (t = 2.35, p = .023) was increased in experimental than in control group.

Conclusion: These results suggest that the school-based health promotion program for obese children can be effective, provided that the program is designed in collaboration with nurses working various settings in community. Based on these findings, school-based health promotion programs need to develop not only in collaboration with health personnels but with school principal, teachers and parents.

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Back to 15th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
July 22-24, 2004