The objective of the study is to evaluate the effects of Program SI! for Elementary in different times of exposure for childrens and their immediate environment (teachers and parents). For this purpose, 48 public schools from the Community of Madrid-South Area (Spain) were randomly assigned to Program SI! during 3 or 6 academic years (intervention group) or keep their normal curriculum (control group). The main outcome is 3-year, and 6-year changes from baseline of questionnaire scoring of children, their parents and teachers in regards to a healthy lifestyle. For children were included 3-year, and 6-year changes of cardiovascular markers derived from blood pressure and anthropometry.
The Program SI! is a multilevel school-based intervention integrating four cardiovascular health-related components (diet, physical activity, human body and emotions management). Since the Program SI! for preschoolers has shown good results in improving healthy lifestyle habits in children aged 3 to 5 years, the investigators have developed the Program SI! for Elementary addressed to children from 6 to 11 years. The objective of the study is to evaluate the effects of Program SI! for Elementary in different times of exposure for childrens and their immediate environment (teachers, parents and school). In the Community of Madrid-South Area (Spain), 48 public schools from were randomly assigned to Program SI! for Elementary during 3 or 6 academic years (intervention group) or keep their normal curriculum (control group). The main outcome is 3-year, and 6-year changes from baseline of questionnaire scoring of children, and the secondary outcome is 3-year, and 6-year changes from baseline of questionnaire scoring of their parents and teachers in regards to a healthy lifestyle, as well as changes in the school environment. For children were included 3-year, and 6-year changes of cardiovascular markers derived from blood pressure and anthropometry (weight, height, waist circumference and skinfold thickness). The Program SI! for Elementary is designed for different exposures in a sample of schools never intervened to asses when the intervention has the most effectiveness. Besides, as some schools involved in the preschool study continues the Program SI! for Elementary, the investigators can be able to evaluate the impact of the Program SI! in different school stages, concluding how children keep the adoption of healthy behaviors from early in life.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
1,770
The Program SI! is implemented from 1st to 3rd grade of Elementary. A total of 40 hours of intervention on 1st and 2nd grade and 30 hours on 3rd grade has been established as the minimum intervention per year.
The Program SI! is implemented from 4th to 6th grade of Elementary. A total of 30 hours of intervention has been established as the minimum intervention per year.
Foundation for Science, Health and Education
Madrid, Spain
Difference between control and intervention groups in the mean change in questionnaire's scoring from baseline to 3-year and 6-year intervention for children.
To evaluate children's lifestyle we use a specific questionnaire about knowledge, attitudes and habits in relation to the four components of Program SI! for Elementary (diet, physical activity, body and heart, and emotions management) (article under revision). A trained team of psychologist applies the children's questionnaires at the school.
Time frame: 3-year, and 6-year changes from baseline of questionnaire scoring for children
Cardiovascular health markers (blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumference and triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness) of children from baseline to 3-year and 6-year intervention.
To evaluate the impact of the Program SI! for Elementary in cardiovascular health markers of children blood pressure and some anthropometric parameters are measured (height, weight, waist circumference and triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness) under standardized protocol developed in previous studies (Santos-Beneit et al. 2014).
Time frame: 3-year, and 6-year changes from baseline on cardiovascular health markers of children
Difference between control and intervention groups in the mean change in questionnaire's scoring from baseline to post-intervention for families.
The family's habits are evaluated through a specific questionnaire related to key messages for families provided by the Program SI! for Elementary and some general questions about tobacco use and health status (article under revision) and stress perception (Remor 2006). Also in the questionnaire for families are included some questions about their son or daughter's habits (Serra-Majem et al 2004, Goodman 1997, Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2011/2012).
Time frame: 3-year, and 6-year changes from baseline of questionnaire scoring for families
Difference between control and intervention groups in the mean change in questionnaire's scoring from baseline to post-intervention for teachers
The lifestyle of the teachers is evaluated measuring adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle (Sotos-Prieto et al. 2014) and questions about stress perception (Remor 2006).
Time frame: 3-year, and 6-year changes from baseline of questionnaire scoring for teachers
Difference between control and intervention groups in the mean change in questionnaire's scoring from baseline to post-intervention for school environment
The school environment is evaluated through questions related to the recommendations provided in the Program SI! for Elementary intervention as avoid eating commercially prepared baked foods at school.
Time frame: 3-year, and 6-year changes from baseline of questionnaire scoring for school environment
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