The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #58127

Laurie M Anderson, PhD MPH, Guide to Community Preventive Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, DOH Epidemiology, Box 47812, 1102 SE Quince Street, Olympia, WA 98504, (360)236-4274, Laurie.Anderson@DOH.WA.GOV and Lynne T Smith, PhD RD, Epidemiology Program Office, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Box 47812, 1102 SE Quince Street, Olympia, WA 98504.

There is a great deal of interest in how changes in the school environment can affect changes in dietary intake and activity levels among school-age children to improve health and physical fitness. The Guide to Community Preventive Services: Systematic Reviews and Evidence Based Recommendations conducted systematic reviews of interventions in the school setting to examine program effectiveness, barriers to implementation, and cost-effectiveness of school-based nutrition interventions. Results of these systematic reviews can be used for program and policy decisions and advocacy for altering the school environment to improve health.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will understand the Guide to Community Preventive Services steps in conducting a systematic review of school-based nutrition programs.
• Program participants will be informed of where there is evidence of program effectiveness and where research and evaluation gaps remain in the field of school-based nutrition interventions.
• The participants will be able to apply this information to local policy and program decision-making and use evidence for advocacy to improve nutrition programs in schools.

Related Web page: www.thecommunityguide.org

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.