2008 Campus-Community Partnerships
UCLA Head Start Low Literacy Nutrition & Physical Activity Intervention: Evaluation of a Pilot Project
| Awardee: | Ariella Herman & Judith Katzburg, UCLA Anderson School of Management |
| Partner: | Center for Community and Family Services, Inc. |
Abstract: UCLA/Johnson & Johnson Health Care Institute (UCLA HCI) intends to complete low literacy training modules, currently under development, to address nutrition / physical activity / obesity / diabetes for Head Start families. We propose to pilot test the materials in collaboration with our community partner, Center for Community & Family Services, Inc. (CCAFS). Parents and children enrolled in the Head Start Program are part of the vulnerable demographic at particular risk for higher rates of obesity and Type II diabetes as well as for low health literacy. A low literacy program that targets knowledge/awareness, behavior change, and the social environment to improve nutrition intake and physical activity habits is critical to preventing obesity and Type II diabetes. Our Train-the-Trainer program provides methodologies to Head Start teachers and staff for implementing nutrition / physical activity / obesity / diabetes training to Head Start Families. It is expected that the training and follow-up will introduce a synergy between staff, teachers, parents, and children to promote a healthier lifestyle for all. The intervention will be evaluated using survey and focus group methodologies. We hope to validate and/or improve the efficacy of this new low literacy nutrition / physical activity training program.
