Piloting the use of teen mentors to promote a healthy diet and physical activity among children in Appalachia

Abstract

Purpose: This study tested a mentoring model that paired trained teens with younger children in an after-school setting to deliver a curriculum aimed at promoting healthier patterns of dietary intake and physical activity.

Design and methods: Using a pretest-posttest design, group comparisons were made. Descriptive, independent, and paired t-test analyses with Bonferroni corrections were conducted in a sample of 72 children.

Results: Group differences were noted with the intention to eat healthfully. Mentored children demonstrated greater improvement in knowledge, attitudes, efficacy, perceived support, and body mass index (BMI).

Practice implications: Teen mentors can effectively impact children's intention to improve health behaviors, which is foundational to normalizing BMI.