A Community-Based Participatory Research Project to Prevent and Reduce Childhood Obesity in a Low-Income Minority Elementary School Richard A Young, MD, Ximena Urrutia-Rojas, DrPH, Anita Webb, PhD, Nuha Lackan, PhD, Janie McGuigan, MCRP, Eileen Mauk, PhD John Peter Smith (JPS) FMRP, UNT Health Science Center, United Way of Tarrant County, Fort Worth, Texas Background Methods Results Design: Quasi-experimental controlled trial Setting: Two elementary schools in Fort Worth, Texas Participants: The entire third grade of both schools (Intervention & Control) Interventions: Increased nutrition education and physical activity for students and their families using a CBPR process for the intervention school only. Primary outcome: Change in the BMI percentile. Secondary outcomes: Changes in measures of healthy eating and physical activity. % body fat (measured by BIA and skin fold methods). INTERVENTION SCHOOL Approximately 97% of the study population receives free or reduced cost meals. We have successfully implemented increased nutritional education. JPS dieticians teach the children 30 minutes per week during the regular school day. We have successfully implemented parent education, though participation by African-American parents is very low. JPS dieticians hold monthly parent nutrition classes. We have successfully recruited community partners, including parents, teachers, students, the YMCA, local churches, the First Tee Foundation, local restaurants, TCU, JPS Health Promotions, local media, and grocery stores. We have successfully created a menu of physical activity options for families, including subsidized YMCA memberships, a running club, a jump rope team, increased organized soccer participation, a parent walking buddy program, a golf program, and school-wide fitness fairs and contests. Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the U.S. and in the developed world. Children who are obese are more likely to become obese adults. The prevalence of obesity is higher in African-Americans and Hispanics. The prevalence of obesity is higher in low-income populations. The causes of obesity are complex and multi-factorial. A community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to addressing the obesity problem provides a unique mechanism to address multiple factors that contribute to obesity. Results Research Question We enrolled 45 of 62 third graders at the intervention school and 36 of 66 at the control school. Demographics: Intervention school 57% African-American 39% Hispanic 4% Caucasian Control School 75% African-American 25% Hispanic Can a CBPR approach prevent and reduce childhood obesity in a low-income predominantly minority elementary school? We report on some of our first-year results of a three year project. Conclusions So far, our process successes have not translated into consistent improvement in the BMIs of children in the intervention group. Our biggest barrier has been a lack of engagement with the African-American families. We will continue to work with community partners to create programs that will fit with the preferences and daily lives of our study population. Printed by