Objective
To address the high rates of childhood obesity, well designed, behaviorally focused, theory-based programs are needed. This project used the DESIGN Stepwise Procedure of Contento to develop an innovative program, Food, Health & Choices.
Target audience
Upper elementary students.
Theory, Prior Research, Rationale
DESIGN is based on the integration of behavioral theory with educational design principles.
Description
Followed the DESIGN process: 1) Decide issue (obesity prevention) and behaviors (choose more fruits and vegetables and physical activity; and choose less sweetened beverages, processed packaged snacks, fast food and recreational screentime); 2) Explore determinants/mediators (identified appropriate mediators for group based on literature and audience assessment); 3) Select theory and philosophy (combination of social cognitive theory and self-determination theory with a philosophy that takes a system-blame approach); 4) Indicate objectives (general objectives for each theory-based mediator and specific objectives for lesson activities); 5) Generate plans (23 lesson plans); 6) Nail down evaluation (developed protocol for measuring height, weight, and percent body fat, and instruments to measure changes in the targeted behaviors and theory-based mediators).
Evaluation
The DESIGN procedure resulted in a curriculum that, according to process evaluation data, had positive reviews by teachers and actively engaged students. Formative student pre to post data (n=146) showed positive outcomes on anthropometric, behavioral, and theory-based psychosocial mediators.
Conclusions and Implications
The value of systematic program development is often underestimated. Using a systematic process, such as the user-friendly DESIGN Stepwise Procedure, can lead to curricula that are tailored to the intended audience, theory-based, and more likely to be effective at changing behaviors.
Funding
USDA 2010-85215-20661.
Article info
Publication history
P35
Identification
Copyright
© 2013 Published by Elsevier Inc.
