Description:
Objective: Document the impact of Let's Go!, a multisetting community-based childhood obesity prevention program on participants in 12 communities in Maine. Methods: The study used repeated random telephone surveys with 800 parents of children to measure awareness of messages and child behaviors. Surveys were conducted in schools, child care programs, and afterschool programs to track changes in policies and environments. Results: Findings show improvements from 2007 to 2011: Children consuming fruits and vegetables increased from 18%, 95% CI [15, 21], to 26% [23, 30] (p.001); children limiting sugary drinks increased from 63% [59, 67] to 69% [65, 73] (p=.011); and parent awareness of the program grew from 10% [7, 12] to 47% [43, 51] (p.001). Participating sites implemented widespread changes to promote healthy behaviors. Conclusions: A multisetting, community-based intervention with a consistent message can positively impact behaviors that lead to childhood obesity. (author abstract)
Resource Type:
Reports & Papers
Funder(s):
American Academy of Pediatrics;
Anthem Foundation;
United States. Department of Health and Human Services;
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.);
Tides Foundation;
Frances Hollis Brain Foundation;
Hannaford Brothers;
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation;
National Initiative for Children's Healthcare Quality;
Jane's Trust;
Leonard C. & Mildred F. Ferguson Foundation;
Maine Health Access Foundation;
Maine Medical Center (Portland, Me.);
MaineHealth;
New Balance Foundation;
Rite Aid Foundation;
Sam L. Cohen Foundation;
TD Charitable Foundation;
Bingham Program;
Mattina R. Proctor Foundation;
United Way of Greater Portland;
Unum;
Walmart Foundation
Country:
United States
State(s)/Territories/Tribal Nation(s):
Maine