Collaborative Research Project with K.E.M. Hospital & Research Centre

Prevention of life style related disorders in school children:

Proposed study at symbiosis school pune

Study supported by; Venky’s India Limited, Pune

Proposed Protocol

School (III and IV standards)

Intervention x 5 years

Outcome measures

Out Come Variables

-         BMI Waist circumference, skin folds,

-         Physical activity, TV viewing,

-         Fat, fruit and vegetable intake,

-         BP

Synopsis Of Study – Continued

                                            PHASE I – PREVALENCE STUDIES

§        Anthropometry ( including skin folds)

§        Diet, activity questionnaires

§        Medical checkup, BP

§        Birth weight, Medical history

§        Parents :  Anthro , med. History, BP

                Study Children                                       Controls

*          Class III and IV (n = 445)                         * Class VIII and IX (n + approx 400)

Class III and IV chosen so that                (to compare with study children 5 yrs hence)

They can be followed up for 6 yrs        * Class III and IV of Symbiosis School, Nashik

                                                                        (Continuous controls, no intervention)

Other Studies

·              Battery of Physical Fitness tests ( for study and control children)

·              Psychometry  / Behavior tests ( for study and control children)

·              Special investigations (proposed) – baseline and repeat after 5 years: DEXA, Bioelectric impedance, muscle mass (urinary creatinine excretion) and insulin resistance.

Phase II – Proposed intervention studies (Study Children)

1.     Health education 0- Diet, nutrition, life styles, obesity

·        Demo/ lectures once a week ( invited speaker )                                     - 1 hr / week

·        Incorporate in science class (class teacher research Assistant)        - 5 minis. Daily         

2.     Physical activity. games – increase to at least                                               - 1 hr/ daily

3.     Health / activity day                                                                                  - sat. morning 2 hrs/

4.     Health and physical activity ( compulsory and scoring subject)

5.     Mid day meal programme                                                                       - caloric modifications

6.     No hawkers            

7.     Newsletter for parents and for children                                                         - once a month

8.     Identified over weight and obese children for intensive monitoring.

Underweight children also to be followed up

Outcomes to Be Studied

Class III and IV students to be monitored every year in details for next 5 years.

·                    Obesity and overweight prevalence now and compare with 5 years hence.

·                    Compare with prevalence of overweight in Nashik Symbiosis schools with no intervention programmes.

·                    Assess life style change (time spent on sports, T.V. eating habits etc.)