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01-06-2016 | Original Article

Promotion of healthy nutrition among students participating in a school food aid program: a randomized trial

Authors: Dina Zota, Archontoula Dalma, Athanassios Petralias, Anastasia Lykou, Christina-Maria Kastorini, Mary Yannakoulia, Pania Karnaki, Katerina Belogianni, Afroditi Veloudaki, Elena Riza, Rhea Malik, Athena Linos

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 5/2016

Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate the potential benefits on students’ eating habits, of incorporating healthy nutrition education as part of a school food aid program.

Methods

146 schools participating in the DIATROFI Program in Greece during the 2013–2014 school year were randomly allocated to the environmental intervention (received a healthy daily meal) and the multicomponent intervention (MI) group (in addition to the meal, a healthy nutrition educational program was applied). The analysis, based on 3627 pre–post intervention questionnaire pairs, was stratified for children (ages 4–11 years) and adolescents (ages 12–18 years).

Results

Children participating in the MI group displayed 25 % higher odds of increasing the weekly consumption of milk/yoghurt and fruits, 61 % higher odds of improving BMI from overweight/obese to normal and 2.5 times higher odds of improving from underweight to normal. For adolescents in the MI group, the odds of increasing the consumption of vegetables were 40 % higher. In both intervention groups, approximately one in four overweight/obese adolescents reached normal weight.

Conclusions

Educational programs on healthy nutrition might be considered worth implementing in the framework of school food aid programs.

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Title: Promotion of healthy nutrition among students participating in a school food aid program: a randomized trial
Authors: Dina Zota
Archontoula Dalma
Athanassios Petralias
Anastasia Lykou
Christina-Maria Kastorini
Mary Yannakoulia
Pania Karnaki
Katerina Belogianni
Afroditi Veloudaki
Elena Riza
Rhea Malik
Athena Linos
Publication date: 01-06-2016
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 5/2016
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-016-0813-0

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Promotion of healthy nutrition among students participating in a school food aid program: a randomized trial

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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