ALDINE - UT PARTNERSHIP TO PREVENT OBESITY IN YOUTH

描述（由申请人提供）：儿童和青少年的肥胖患病率有所增加，少数民族/种族群体的肥胖患病率增加最多。这项为期两年的发展研究将通过德克萨斯大学休斯顿分校和奥尔丁独立学区（AISD）之间的合作伙伴关系进行。在休斯敦大都会区的这个大学区，大部分学生都处于肥胖的高风险之中; 55%的学生是西班牙裔，34%是非洲裔美国人，72%的学生经济上处于不利地位。以学校为基础的干预措施，以改善健康行为，减少学校膳食计划中的脂肪和钠，增加中度到剧烈体育活动的剂量和频率的有效性已经在以前的研究中进行了测试，但很少有对体重或体脂百分比产生影响。此外，几乎没有证据支持对少数民族儿童和经济弱势儿童采取干预措施。该项目将建立在以前的研究基础上，但将是创新的，也许更可持续，通过使社区参与伙伴关系的方式。这一发展阶段的目的是评估学龄儿童目标人群中肥胖的患病率以及心血管疾病和糖尿病的相关危险因素（幼儿园至六年级）;评估这些儿童的学校环境，包括食物选择和体育活动机会;让学校工作人员、学生及其家长参与评估、分析和规划预防和减少青少年肥胖的新方法。长期目标是与社区合作，规划符合文化的行动，可以测试有效性，并且是可持续的。最终目标是减少与肥胖有关的健康差距。公共卫生相关性：肥胖在美国被认为是一种流行病，是致残的，致命的，昂贵的。预防和减少儿童和青少年的肥胖症以及减少与此相关的健康差距是一项主要的国家目标。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents has increased and the greatest increases have been among ethnic/racial minority groups. This two-year developmental study will be conducted through a partnership between the University of Texas-Houston and the Aldine Independent School District (AISD). In this large school district in the Houston metropolitan area, large proportions of students are at high risk for obesity; 55% of the students are Hispanic, 34% are African American, and 72% of students are economically disadvantaged. The efficacy of school-based interventions to improve health behavior, reduce fat and sodium in school meal programs, and increase the dose and frequency of moderate to vigorous physical activity has been tested in previous studies but few have had an impact on body mass or percent body fat. Further, there is little evidence to support interventions for ethnic minority children and those economically disadvantaged. This project will build on previous studies, but will be innovative, and perhaps more sustainable, by engaging the community in a partnership approach. The aims of this developmental phase are to assess the prevalence of obesity and associated risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes in the target population of school age children (Kindergarten through 6th grade); assess the school environments of these children in relation to food options and opportunities for physical activity; and engage school personnel, students and their parents in a participatory process to assess, analyze and plan new approaches to prevent and reduce obesity in youth. The long-range goal is to work with the community to plan actions that are culturally congruent, could be tested for effectiveness, and are sustainable. The ultimate goal is reduce health disparities attributable to obesity-related conditions. Public Health Relevance: Obesity is recognized as an epidemic in the United States, and one that is disabling, deadly, and costly. Prevention and reduction of obesity in children and adolescents, and reduction of health disparities associated with it, is a major national goal.