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

Abstract #59531

Nicole E. Stoller, MPH, CHES, Health Research & Policy Centers, University of Illinois at Chicago, 850 W. Jackson, Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60607, 312.413.3379, nstoll1@uic.edu

In response to the epidemic of childhood overweight and obesity in the US, a collaborative project between the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health and the Oak Park Department of Public Health was undertaken to assess the impact of the school environment on the health of students. Specifically, a resource kit was developed to enable schools to assess their capacity for taking action in reducing overweight and obesity and promoting health. The toolkit contains community epidemiologic information on health, related to overweight and obesity; background materials; a checklist for assessment of the environment; a resource guide; and a self-evaluation tool. Schools can identify strengths and weaknesses, utilize resources for implementing change, and systematically monitor changes made. Designed to be user-friendly, the kit can be used by school staff, parents, community members, and students. School environment elements examined with the kit include the food served at school, vending machine availability, access to free drinking water, nutrition education in curriculum, physical activity, and proximity of fast food and convenience stores to the school. While many elements of a child’s environment influence health status, efforts for this project are focused on the school setting, as it holds great potential for intervention and change. Future research should focus on elements in the home environment and community factors that play a role in the health of children. This kit is under development as a partial requirement for the Master of Public Health degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, participants in this session will be able to:
• Define childhood overweight/obesity and its impact on future health;
• Recognize aspects of the school environment that have the potential to contribute to overweight/obesity; and
• Identify resources for implementing changes at the school level.

Keywords: Obesity, School Health

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.