D Neumark-Sztainer1, N E Sherwood, T Coller, P J Hannan. 1. Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, 1300 S Second St, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a community-based intervention aimed at the primary prevention of disordered eating among preadolescent girls. DESIGN:Girl Scout troop members were randomized into control and intervention groups. Program feasibility and effect at postintervention and 3-month follow-up were evaluated. SUBJECTS/ SETTING: 226 girls (mean age = 10.6 years, standard deviation = 0.7) from 24 Girl Scout troops. INTERVENTION: Six 90-minute sessions focusing on media literacy and advocacy skills. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Evaluation focused on program satisfaction and short-term effect on dieting behaviors, body image attitudes, and media knowledge, attitudes, and habits. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Performed t tests, chi 2 tests, and analyses of covariance including troop as a random source of variation. RESULTS: At baseline, 29% of the girls were trying to lose weight. The program had a notable positive influence on media-related attitudes and behaviors including internalization of sociocultural ideals, self-efficacy to impact weight-related social norms, and print media habits. A modest program effect on body-related knowledge and attitudes was apparent at post-intervention (i.e., on body size acceptance, puberty knowledge, and perceived weight status) but not at follow-up. Significant changes were not noted for dieting behaviors, but they were in the hypothesized direction. Satisfaction with the program was high among girls, parents, and leaders. APPLICATIONS/ CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to use community youth settings, such as the Girl Scouts, to implement interventions to prevent disordered eating behaviors. The program led to positive trends in outcome variables; however, longer and more intensive interventions are needed for lasting changes in body image and dieting behaviors.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a community-based intervention aimed at the primary prevention of disordered eating among preadolescent girls. DESIGN:Girl Scout troop members were randomized into control and intervention groups. Program feasibility and effect at postintervention and 3-month follow-up were evaluated. SUBJECTS/ SETTING: 226 girls (mean age = 10.6 years, standard deviation = 0.7) from 24 Girl Scout troops. INTERVENTION: Six 90-minute sessions focusing on media literacy and advocacy skills. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Evaluation focused on program satisfaction and short-term effect on dieting behaviors, body image attitudes, and media knowledge, attitudes, and habits. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Performed t tests, chi 2 tests, and analyses of covariance including troop as a random source of variation. RESULTS: At baseline, 29% of the girls were trying to lose weight. The program had a notable positive influence on media-related attitudes and behaviors including internalization of sociocultural ideals, self-efficacy to impact weight-related social norms, and print media habits. A modest program effect on body-related knowledge and attitudes was apparent at post-intervention (i.e., on body size acceptance, puberty knowledge, and perceived weight status) but not at follow-up. Significant changes were not noted for dieting behaviors, but they were in the hypothesized direction. Satisfaction with the program was high among girls, parents, and leaders. APPLICATIONS/ CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to use community youth settings, such as the Girl Scouts, to implement interventions to prevent disordered eating behaviors. The program led to positive trends in outcome variables; however, longer and more intensive interventions are needed for lasting changes in body image and dieting behaviors.
Authors: Suzanne E Mazzeo; Nichole R Kelly; Marilyn Stern; Rachel W Gow; Kasey Serdar; Ronald K Evans; Resa M Jones; Cynthia M Bulik Journal: Contemp Clin Trials Date: 2012-01-18 Impact factor: 2.226
Authors: Suzanne E Mazzeo; Nichole R Kelly; Marilyn Stern; Allison A Palmberg; Faye Z Belgrave; Marian Tanofsky-Kraff; Yael Latzer; Cynthia M Bulik Journal: Contemp Clin Trials Date: 2012-11-09 Impact factor: 2.226
Authors: Dianne Neumark-Sztainer; Jess Haines; Ramona Robinson-O'Brien; Peter J Hannan; Michael Robins; Bonnie Morris; Christine A Petrich Journal: Health Educ Res Date: 2008-07-11
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