Intervention effects of a school-based health promotion programme on children’s nutrition behaviour

Abstract Aim The programme “Join the Healthy Boat” promotes amongst other things a healthy diet in primary school children. In order to evaluate programme’s effectiveness, this study longitudinally investigated children’s nutrition behaviour. Subject and methods A total of 1564 children (7.1 ± 0.6 years) participated cluster-randomised study. Teachers delivered lessons including behavioural contracting budgeting. Nutritional behaviours parents child were assessed via parental report. Anthropometrics measured on site. Results After one year, intervention group (IG) showed significant reduction consumption pure juices ( p ≤ 0.001). Soft drink reduced both groups, although with trend towards slightly greater IG. Children fathers normal weight as well first graders soft IG = 0.025 0.022 respectively). Fruit vegetable intake increased significantly for 0.050), from families high education level 0.023), an overweight father 0.034). Significant differences found fruit migration background 0.01) degree could be observed 0.019). Conclusion This shows that appeals wider range children, is therefore more likely compensate due origin or social inequalities, which also active involvement vital successful interventions.