Naslov
Childhood obesity prevention programme PETICA enhances lifestyle habits in Croatian primary schools

Autori
Cobal, Sara ; Vranešić Bender, Darija ; Krznarić, Željko

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, sažetak, znanstveni

Skup
21st Congress of European Union for School and University Health and Medicine „School and adolescent health priorities: Rethinking- Redefining-Responding“

Mjesto i datum
Split, Hrvatska, 29.09.2022. - 02.10.2022

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Predavanje

Vrsta recenzije
Nije recenziran

Ključne riječi
PETICA, obesity, nutrition, exercise, education

Sažetak
BACKROUND: Childhood obesity has become one of the mayor public health concerns around the world. This multisystem and complex disease is seen, not only in adults, but has become frequent in children of early age all of which contributes to the risk of chronic noncommunicable disease in adult age and premature death. Childhood obesity prevention interventions are important assets in forming healthier behaviors in school age children. PETICA-play for health model was designed to promote healthier lifestyle habits and reduce the future risk of obesity development. METHOD: This longitudinal study assessed the impact that education of children, (8 to 9 years, 2nd - 3rd grade, Croatian school system), through PETICA model, has on the formation of healthy lifestyle habits linked to childhood obesity prevention. This model comprises of lessons and workshops (10) regarding nutrition and physical activity implemented during the school year 2016/2017 in 15 Croatian primary schools. Focal points of the PETICA model are the importance of breakfast, water, fruit and vegetable intake, adequate amount of sleep and the importance of regular physical activity. The knowledge and lifestyle habits of children regarding nutrition and physical activity was assessed through a validated questionnaire taken before and after intervention and anthropometric measurements (height, weight, BMI). RESULTS: Data of 1056 pupils was analyzed with Wilcoxon signed-rank test and t-test to determine significant differences (p<0, 05) after PETICA education. All pupils enhanced water intake and decreased sweets, cakes or pastries and salty snacks intake linked to overweight and obesity risk. The enhance of PA habits was observed in 2nd graders. Also, correlation was shown between eating breakfast and lower body weight in 3rd graders. CONCLUSIONS: PETICA model gives hope that obesity trends can be reversed through education-focused public health prevention models that enhance nutrition and PA habits at an early age

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Biotehnologija, Nutricionizam

POVEZANOST RADA