Date of Award

2015

Document Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

Masters of Science (Research)

Department

Cork Institute of Technology

First Advisor

Dr. Con Burns

Second Advisor

Mr. Noel Collins

Abstract

Introduction: School-based interventions aimed at reducing levels of overweight/ obesity among primary school children are inconclusive. There is a death of research which specifically targets children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The purpose of the current study is to assess the effectiveness of a nutrition and physical activity intervention 'Project Spraoi' on children attending a DEIS urban band one primary-school (lower socio-economic status) in Cork city, Ireland.

Methods: A health promotion intervention developed in collaboration with Project Energize, New Zealand was implemented and evaluated during the 2013/14 academic school year. One control and one intervention DEIS urban band one primary school from Cork city participated in the research. Data was collected from children in senior infant/ first class (control n = 20; intervention n = 35 mean age 6.6 ±0.6 years) and fourth class (control n =25; intervention n = 32mean age 9.8 ± 0.4 years) in each school. Pre and post intervention tests were, body mass index (BMI), percentage body fat (%BF), resting blood pressure, waist circumference, daily moderate to vigorous physical activity levels (MVPA), aerobic fitness, physical activity and nutritional knowledge questionnaire.

Results: Significant improvements were recorded in mean daily MVPA in both senior infant/ 1st class children from the intervention group between baseline (55.6 ± 14.1 mins/day) and follow up (69.5 ± 11.6 mins/day; p.05). Statistically significant improvements were recorded in the intervention school children in BMI, %BF, waist circumference and resting blood pressure. Nutritional knowledge increased significantly amongst the senior infant/ 1st class intervention group children from pre to post intervention (p

Conclusions: 'Project Spraoi' intervention positively impacted on markers of health among children attending a DEIS urban band one school in Cork city.

Access Level

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

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