earticle

영어

Purpose: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a school-based obesity prevention program for elementary school students, based on the ecological model. Methods: A non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design was employed. Participants were 85 fourth-grade students from two elementary schools in U Metropolitan City, with one class from each school assigned to the intervention group (n=42) or the experimental group (n=43). The intervention group participated in the Be Healthy, Not Just Fit program, conducted 40 minutes weekly for eight weeks. The program addressed five ecological levels; individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy, through both educational and experiential activities. The data were collected on anthropometric indicators (height, weight, and body mass index) and validated questionnaires measuring dietary and exercise behaviors, obesity-related knowledge, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and perceived social support. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests and ANCOVA, with significance set at p<.05. Results: The intervention group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in height (p<.001), weight (p<.001), dietary behaviors (p=.021), exercise behaviors (p=.049), obesity-related knowledge (p<.001), self-esteem (p=.006), and selfefficacy (p=.001). Although BMI and perceived social support increased, these changes did not reach statistical significance. Two-group-comparisons indicated greater gains in the intervention group for exercise behaviors (p=.039), obesity-related knowledge (p=.012), and self-efficacy (p=.038). Conclusion: A multilevel, school-based intervention grounded in the ecological model positively influenced health-related behaviors and psychological outcomes in elementary school children. These findings highlight the importance of integrated strategies that put together schools, families, and communities to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent childhood obesity.