Nutrition and physical activity self-assessment for child care (NAP SACC): results from a pilot intervention.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the feasibility, acceptability, and reported impact of a nutrition and physical activity environmental intervention in child care.

DESIGN

Self-assessment instrument completed pre- and post-intervention by randomly assigned intervention and comparison child care centers.

SETTING

Child care centers in 8 counties across North Carolina.

PARTICIPANTS

A convenience sample of 19 child care centers (15 intervention and 4 comparison).

INTERVENTION

Intervention centers completed the self-assessment instrument at baseline and then selected 3 environmental improvements to make over the 6-month intervention period with assistance from a trained NAP SACC Consultant.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Changes in pre- and post-intervention self-assesment of the nutrition and physical activity child care environment with additional process measures to evaluate project implementation, feasibility and acceptability.

ANALYSIS

Comparison of pre- and post-test scores for the intervention group using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test and descriptions of environmental changes.

RESULTS

Intervention centers rated themselves higher at follow-up than at baseline, and relative to comparison centers, reported a variety of environmental nutrition and physical activity improvements confirmed by research staff.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The NAP SACC pilot intervention shows promise as an approach to promote healthy weight environments in preschool settings. Additional evaluation of the project is needed using a greater number of centers and a more objective outcome measure.