Barry P. Hunt

A meta-analysis of school-based obesity prevention programs demonstrates limited efficacy of decreasing childhood obesity.

Childhood obesity is a global concern. The objectives of this meta-analytical study were to evaluate the effectiveness of school-based childhood obesity prevention programs, and to examine program components (moderators). The methods included searching databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, and the universitys EBSCOhost Web service) as well as handsearching reference lists of articles published in English. Selection criteria for studies to be included in the meta-analysis were limited to studies that reported body mass index (BMI) or skinfold thickness as outcome measures and were school-based obesity prevention interventions; cross-sectional design studies were excluded. We hypothesized the meta-analysis would yield a summary effect size of magnitude which would indicate that school-based interventions have been effective in improving childrens BMI or skinfold thickness values. A total of 26 114 children from 27 school-based childhood obesity prevention programs provided 54 effect sizes. A random-effects model calculated a small summary effect size of 0.039 (95% confidence interval -0.013 to 0.092). Heterogeneity among studies was observed which disappeared after pooling studies that used a randomized controlled trial design with one program moderator (physical activity or nutrition). We failed to accept our hypothesis and concluded that overall, school-based interventions have not been effective for improving body mass index or skinfold thickness to curb childhood obesity; however, randomized controlled trials that focused on physical activity or nutrition appeared to produce promising results.

Assessment of Attitudes Regarding Tobacco-Free Campus Policy and Secondhand Smoke Exposure among College Students, Faculty, and Staff.

Background Recently there has been a push to implement tobacco-free policies on college campuses. Policies creating tobacco-free college campuses have increased with changes in social norms. The campus environment provides a setting for individuals to express their attitudes regarding tobacco use. Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess attitudes among various populations on the college campus relative to smoking, secondhand smoke exposure, and acceptability of campus tobacco policies in order to develop effective, targeted implementation strategies. Methods A sample (n = 462) of university students, faculty, and staff completed a web-based survey that included demographics and opinion items regarding tobacco free policy. Results There were differences among the participants (n = 462) in terms of tobacco-free policy acceptance and attitudes toward secondhand smoke exposure. Campus role (faculty, staff, or student), gender, and smoking status (never, former, current) all had significant (P < .001) differences; however, for self-reported race no significant differences were found. Discussion Findings suggest that the diverse populations found on college campuses require a tailored approach when designing health education programs. Translation to Health Education Practice Acknowledging and understanding differing perspectives among subpopulations can enhance the ability of the health educator to develop more appropriate and specific messages.