Strategies for the prevention and control of XXXX in the school setting: systematic review and meta-analysis.

@entity1 @entity353 @entity28
OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of school-based strategies for @entity28 prevention and control using methods of systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Peer-reviewed studies published between 1966 and October 2004 were considered for review. Studies meeting eligibility criteria were published in English, targeted @entity1 aged 3-18 in a school setting, reported weight-related outcomes, included a control measurement and had at least a 6-month follow-up period. Studies employed interventions related to nutrition, physical activity, reduction in television viewing or combinations thereof. Weight related data were analyzed using RevMan software. RESULTS: Sixty-four studies were considered for inclusion. Fourteen did not meet inclusion criteria; 29 were excluded due to poor methodological quality. Twenty-one papers describing 19 studies were included in the systematic review and 8 of these were included in the meta-analysis. Nutrition and physical activity interventions resulted in significant reductions in body weight compared with control ((standardized mean difference, SMD=-0.29, 95% confidence interval (CI)=-0.45 to -0.14), random effects model). Parental or family involvement of nutrition and physical activity interventions also induced @entity353 ((SMD=-0.20, 95%CI=-0.41 to 0.00), random effects model). CONCLUSION: Combination nutrition and physical activity interventions are effective at achieving @entity353 in school settings. Several promising strategies for addressing @entity28 in the school setting are suggested, and warrant replication and further testing.
