Effects of a Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Promoting Program among Preschool-age Children

Abstract

Objective: To examine effects of healthy eating and physical activity promoting program among preschool-age children on their healthy eating behavior and physical activity. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, preschool-age children (N = 136) in Nakhonnayok province were randomized into test and control groups (n = 68 each). The 15-week program was based on learning theory and social support concept. Questionnaires on eating behavior and physical activity were used before and after the program. Comparisons of scores of the two behaviors were done using independent t-test and paired t-test, as appropriate. Results: In test group, scores of healthy eating behavior and physical activity after the program were significantly higher than those before the program (P-value < 0.001 for both behaviors). After the program, scores of healthy eating behavior and physical activity of test group were significantly higher than those in control group (P-value < 0.05 for both behaviors). Conclusion: Healthy eating and physical activity promoting program could improve preschool-age children’s healthy eating behavior and physical activity. Keywords: healthy eating behavior and physical activity promoting program, eating behavior, physical activity, learning theory, social support, preschool-age children