Date of Graduation

Summer 2011

Degree

Master of Science in Health Promotion and Wellness Management

Department

Public Health and Sports Medicine

Committee Chair

Sarah McCallister

Abstract

With the growing issue of childhood obesity, the health and wellness of children has become a focus of concern. This qualitative study aimed to identify health and wellness awareness, knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of children by conducting one-on-one interviews with children and teachers. Information gleaned from the interviews served to provide a framework for a potential school-based wellness program. Fifty-two fourth and fifth grade students were interviewed at four schools, consisting of one private school and three public schools in the Springfield, Missouri area. Five fourth and fifth grade teachers were also interviewed at these schools for a different perspective. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed for themes. Themes developed from the interviews were focus areas of the potential program and included the following: childhood obesity education, identifying healthy foods, disease education and prevention, physical activity through fun, emotional health issues, media issues, and parental involvement. The researcher proposed both an in-school based healthy living club and an out-of-school based multi-health component program. The multiple components of health in the after-school program include nutrition, physical activity, and emotional health.

Keywords

children's health, overall health, well-being, wellness, wellness program

Subject Categories

Health and Medical Administration

Copyright

© Kerri Melinda Hughes

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