ERIC Number: EJ1118227
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2333-4851
EISSN: N/A
A Formative Evaluation of Healthy Heroes: A Photo Comic Book-Social Cognitive Theory Based Obesity Prevention Program
Branscum, Paul; Housley, Alexandra; Bhochhibhoya, Amir; Hayes, Logan
Journal of Health Education Teaching, v7 n1 p52-63 2016
Purpose: Low consumption of fruits and vegetables is often associated with poor diet quality, and childhood obesity. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility, and conduct a formative evaluation, of Healthy Heroes, an innovative, social cognitive theory-based program that uses child created photo-comic books to promote fruit and vegetable consumption. Methods: Healthy Heroes was implemented with a small sample of children (9-11 years old; n = 33) in a community after school setting. Parents (n = 12) and afterschool employees (n = 10) were also recruited to complete a one-on-one qualitative interview to discuss ways the program could be expanded for families and the community. Results: Children reported enjoying the process of creating photo-comic books, and experienced a significant increase in expectations to consume fruits and vegetables (p<0.05). Parents and afterschool employees also reported favorable attitudes towards the program and provided insight into how the program could be enhanced, including using different outlets (such as the Facebook, email, and the afterschool program's website) to disseminate program information. Conclusions: This feasibility and formative evaluation demonstrated that a theory-based intervention using photo-comic books could have a favorable impact on psychosocial variables related to fruit and vegetable consumption. Recommendation: The Healthy Heroes program can be implemented as a stand-alone, health education intervention, at a low cost, and little effort by public health educators. However, to impact obesity related behaviors, and weight status, environmental and policy efforts should be implemented in tandem.
Descriptors: Eating Habits, Food, Cartoons, Social Cognition, Social Theories, Obesity, Prevention, Health Promotion, Popular Culture, Interviews, Parent Attitudes, School Personnel, Program Effectiveness, Student Participation, After School Programs, Technology Uses in Education, Educational Technology, Intervention, Children
Journal of Health Education Teaching. 9563 Wedge Way, Delmar, MD 21875. Tel: 443-880-0394; e-mail: JofHET@yahoo.com; Web site: http://jhetonline.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Oklahoma
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A