Rationale and design of Healthy Kids Beyond the Bell: a 2x2 full factorial study evaluating the impact of summer and after-school programming on children's body mass index and health behaviors.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Structured Days Hypothesis posits that structure protects children against obesogenic behaviors (e.g., physical inactivity, unhealthy dietary intake) and, ultimately, prevents the occurrence of excessive weight gain. The hours following school (i.e., 3-6 pm school days) and summer vacation are two "windows of vulnerability" when children may experience less structure. Programs that provide a healthy structured environment and may prevent BMI gain exist for both time periods (i.e., after-school programs and summer day camps). Unfortunately, these programs are cost prohibitive for children from low-income families to attend. This study will test the impact of providing vouchers to access existing, community-operated after-school and summer programs on BMI z-score, body

SUBMITTER: Weaver RG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11515637 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature