CLASSROOM TRAINING OF SCHOOLCHILDREN IN OBESITY PREVENTION: IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING OF THE PESOEH PROJECT

Abstract

Background and objectives: It has been suggested that school-based interventions to prevent obesity may be more effective if introduced as part of the educational system. Our objective was to include in the 2011 curriculum of primary school children contents related to improvement of dietary and physical activity practices of school children from Hidalgo, Mexico (PESOEH project). Methods: Childhood obesity was included as crosscutting topics of social relevance in official 2011curriculum. Blocks and topics on healthy foods and physical activity were included in the curriculum. We applied methodology of training projects (TPs) based on the socio-educational model. The TPs were planned by a multidisciplinary group and learning activities by teachers (n = 33). The tracking of TPs was performed by observation in the classroom and interviewing teachers by trained professionals. Results: We performed 5 TPs of healthy food and physical activity. The TPs were implemented (2012-2013) in two public and one private schools (800 students). During the first visit (1st) we found that 60% of teachers implemented the TPs and the second (2nd) 70%. In 87% (1st) and 95% (2nd) the teaching situations were addressed as programmed; 96% (1st) and 88% (2nd) of the teachers used suggested materials. In 88% (1st) and 91% (2nd) didactic materials were visible in the classroom (posters, collages, drawings, etc.). In general, students showed interest, involvement and concentration; 48% (1st) and 52% (2nd) of the teachers indicated that TPs are relevant to the curriculum, and 28% (1st) and 69% (2nd) that impact on adoption of healthy lifestyle. Conclusion: Teachers and students have accepted the TPs gradually, perceiving that the TPs are processes of teaching and learning differently. For teachers it has been useful to complete the content of the curriculum and address the consequences of a poor diet in schoolchildren. Key words: childhood obesity, prevention, curriculum