The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #46311

Rebekah R. Rhoades¹, Laura A. Beebe, PhD¹, and Wendy J. Jones, MPH². (1) Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, P.O.Box 26901, CHB 309, Oklahoma City, OK 73190, (405) 271-2229, rebekah-rhoades@ouhsc.edu, (2) Schools for Healthy Lifestyles, 601 N.W. Grand Blv., Suite D, Oklahoma City, OK 73118

Schools for Healthy Lifestyles (SHL) is an innovative, community-based, school health promotion program targeting elementary school children and their families, as well as school faculty and staff. A strong infrastructure of partnerships among local governmental agencies, businesses, and academia has been formed with the aim of promoting healthy lifestyles including priority health concerns of physical activity, physical fitness, and prevention of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and injury. Reduction of morbidity and mortality related to the aforementioned priorities is the goal of SHL. To demonstrate the effectiveness of SHL, a formal evaluation of the outcomes and impact of the program is vital. Phase I of the two-year evaluation consisted of quantitative evaluation of student knowledge and fitness levels. Phase II of the evaluation assessed program impact on faculty and staff via qualitative analysis and consisted of five focus groups comprised of elementary school teachers. Each of eighteen eligible schools selected two members of their health advisory committee to serve as participants. The interview guide was reviewed by select experts and piloted with a group of teachers from the target population. A single moderator facilitated the focus group series. Prior to beginning each session, informed consent was obtained and a short demographic form completed. Independent content analysis, using the Nudist software program, was utilized in identifying themes, patterns, and categories. Phase II results regarding the impact of the SHL program, personal experiences, barriers to implementation, and strategies to increase the effectiveness of the program will be shared.

Learning Objectives:

• 3. Describe the goals of Schools for Healthy Lifestyles.
  6. Discuss the value and methodology of qualitative analysis as it relates to program evaluation.
  9. Assess potential barriers in implementing a school health promotion program.
  12. Develop strategies to increase the effectiveness of a school health promotion program.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.