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Morbidity and mortality due to diabetes and other non-communicable diseases are increasing at an alarming rate in the Caribbean region.
Unhealthy dietary habits and physical inactivity are the main reasons for the increasing rate of obesity among children and adults in the Caribbean. In order to reduce the incidence of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases, obesity needs to be addressed.
Studies indicate that dietary and physical activity patterns established during youth are very difficult to change. Therefore, intervention strategies might be more beneficial if introduced early in life.
Objective
The project seeks to promote healthy lifestyle among children in secondary school through a school-based intervention in four Caribbean countries. The intervention is intended to prevent children and parents from becoming obese and eventually get diabetes.
Approach
The project is conducted through four phases:
Problem assessment and awareness raising: During this phase, baseline data is collected from teachers and support for the project is built among school teachers at the participating schools. Focus group discussions and interviews are conducted with school children in order to guide the development and implementation of the intervention.
Development of programme materials and training of teachers: In the second phase, an intervention programme for school children aged 11-13 years is developed. The programme will include involvement of school teachers as well as parents. Project related activities are incorporated into the existing school curriculum, and teachers are trained to educate the children in accordance with this school curriculum.
Implementation of intervention: The 3-year intervention phase includes classroom teaching and support building in the school-environment. Issues such as weight control, physical exercise, healthy eating and positive self-esteem are addressed in order to promote healthy lifestyle among the children. Furthermore, the project seeks to influence aspects identified as critical for the children's change in behaviour, such as availability of healthy food at home and in schools.
Evaluation of the intervention: In the last phase of the project, the collected data will be analyzed and evaluated. The lessons learnt in this project will guide similar projects in other secondary schools.
Expected impact
- 630 children in secondary school targeted by health promotion initiatives
- Increased awareness about healthy lifestyle among school teachers, parents and other community members indirectly influenced by the programme
Results to date
- Three out of four countries have been sensitized at both the national public administration and school level. An information leaflet was produced for the teachers
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