Michelle Porepa1, Melissa Chan2, Joelene Huber3, Catherine G Lam4, Hosanna Au5, Catherine S Birken6. 1. Department of Paediatrics, Division of Developmental Paediatrics, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario; 2. Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta; 3. Developmental Pediatrician, St Michael's Hospital & The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario; 4. Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee, Memphis, Tennessee, USA; 5. Division of Paediatric Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario. 6. Division of Paediatric Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Health magazines effectively deliver health information. No data regarding student-led magazines to promote health exist. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether children's health knowledge, interests and lifestyle choices improve following distribution of a student-led health magazine. METHODS: Elementary students worked with teachers and paediatric residents to publish a health magazine. A healthy lifestyle challenge page promoted reduction in soda pop consumption. Pre- and poststudent questionnaires explored knowledge, interests and behaviours related to health. RESULTS: Sex and grade distributions were similar in pre- and post-questionnaires. Ninety-seven percent of children reported the magazine helped them learn about health. Pre- and postknowledge scores did not differ (P=0.36). Following distribution, the percentage of students who reported drinking no soda increased from 43% to 67% (P=0.004), and those who reported drinking <2 glasses of soda per day increased from 66% to 85% (P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A student-led health magazine was effective in motivating short-term student-reported behavioural change.
BACKGROUND: Health magazines effectively deliver health information. No data regarding student-led magazines to promote health exist. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether children's health knowledge, interests and lifestyle choices improve following distribution of a student-led health magazine. METHODS: Elementary students worked with teachers and paediatric residents to publish a health magazine. A healthy lifestyle challenge page promoted reduction in soda pop consumption. Pre- and poststudent questionnaires explored knowledge, interests and behaviours related to health. RESULTS: Sex and grade distributions were similar in pre- and post-questionnaires. Ninety-seven percent of children reported the magazine helped them learn about health. Pre- and postknowledge scores did not differ (P=0.36). Following distribution, the percentage of students who reported drinking no soda increased from 43% to 67% (P=0.004), and those who reported drinking <2 glasses of soda per day increased from 66% to 85% (P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A student-led health magazine was effective in motivating short-term student-reported behavioural change.
Entities:
Keywords:
Children; Community-based participatory research; Community-based public health; Health advocacy; Health literacy
Authors: Tony Waterston; Brenda Welsh; Brigid Keane; Margaret Cook; Donna Hammal; Louise Parker; Helen McConachie Journal: Pediatrics Date: 2009-01 Impact factor: 7.124