Linus Pauling Institute
Micronutrient Research for Optimum Health

Healthy Youth Program

Childhood Nutrition and Exercise in Elementary Schools - An Assessment

Principal Investigator: Balz Frei, PhD
Co-investigators: Gerd Bobe, PhD, MPH and Simone Frei, MPH, MA

Elementary school teachers and school cafeteria staff from public elementary schools in Oregon are invited to particpate in this study.

Childhood obesity has become a public health epidemic in the United States. Results from the 2007-2008 NHANES surveys indicate that an estimated 17% of children and adolescents aged 2-19 years are obese compared to only 5% in 1971. According to the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health, obesity rates for 10 to 17-year old children range from 10% in Oregon to 22% in Mississippi.

It is well known that childhood obesity is associated with health risks, such as pediatric hypertension, type 2 diabetes, orthopedic complications, and impaired mobility, and can result in psycho-social consequences, including low self-esteem, social isolation, and discrimination. In addition, long-term studies have shown that obese children are likely to become obese adults. Most experts agree that physical inactivity and poor eating habits are the root causes of obesity, and that there is a widespread need to promote better eating habits among children. In response to this need, the Linus Pauling Institute plans to develop a K – 5 nutrition curriculum for elementary school students. In order to develop a comprehensive and integrated nutrition curriculum, 1) teachers' needs, knowledge, and concerns regarding nutrition education and physical activity for elementary school children and 2) school cateteria staff's knowledge and attitudes towards childhood nutrition need to be assessed first.

The objective of this study is to assess 1) elementary school teachers' needs, knowledge, concerns, and barriers regarding nutrition education and physical activity in elementary schools and 2) school cafeteria staff's knowledge and attitudes towards childhood nutrition. Confidential and anonymous surveys (Nutritional Education Survey for Teachers, Physical Activity Survey for Teachers, Childhood Nutrition Survey for Cafeteria Personnel) will be administered among elementary school teachers and school cafeteria staff in public elementary schools in Oregon.

Results of this study will be used to develop a K – 5 nutrition curriculum for elementary school children and may be published and/or shared with the school districts.