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. 2011 Jan;16(1):16-26.
doi: 10.1111/j.1744-6155.2010.00264.x.

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

Laureen H Smith  1
Affiliations

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

Laureen H Smith. J Spec Pediatr Nurs. 2011 Jan.

Erratum in

  • J Spec Pediatr Nurs. 2012 Apr;17(2):175

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.

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