Participatory action project in reducing childhood obesity in Thai primary schools

Abstract

The project aimed to improve nutrition and activity among primary schoolchildren via targeted activities. A preliminary nutritional survey was carried out involving 5126 children in 4 Bangkok public schools. Participatory action research involving students, teachers, and parents was conducted. After a 2-day training course, teachers integrated project concepts into their course curriculum. Seminars on weight management were given separately to parents and students. After 8 months, postnutritional survey was conducted. Preprogram and postprogram evaluation of obese and normal groups was done using questionnaires on dietary intake and exercise.

Results: showed that high caloric dietary intake significantly decreased for the obese group (P < .001). Aerobic exercise activity also increased in both groups (P < .001) and prevalence of obesity declined from 19.3% to 16.8%. Thus, a long-term, participatory effort to promote healthy diets and physical exercise could be effective with primary school students and may establish habits that last to later life.