The Effectiveness of the Implementation of Healthy Buddies™, a School-Based, Peer-Led Health Promotion Program in Elementary Schools

Objective: To evaluate the impact of the Healthy Buddies (TM) program on measures of healthy living among elementary students in British Columbia. Methods: The Healthy Buddies (TM) program, a school-based, teacher-facilitated, peer-led health promotion program was evaluated in 6 self-selected elementary schools chosen among 45 implementation schools. Measures of healthy living knowledge, behaviour, habits and attitudes were collected in older students (Grades [Gr.] 4 to 7) and their younger "buddies" (Kindergarten [K] to Gr. 3) at the beginning and end of the academic year in the intervention schools (873 students). In addition, 2 schools served as comparison sites (407 students). Physical measures were only collected among students in the intervention schools. Results: In contrast to comparison students, both K to Gr. 3 and Gr. 4 to Gr. 7 intervention students showed greater increases in healthy living knowledge. Kindergarten to Gr. 3 students showed greater increases in healthy behaviour and habits scores. For attitudes scores, Gr. 4 to Gr. 7 students from the intervention schools demonstrated improvements in all 5 questions extracted from the Children's Eating Attitudes Test, compared to 2 questions in the comparison schools. Height, weight, waist circumference, body mass index, blood pressure and heart rate increased among intervention students over the course of the intervention, reflecting normal growth. Conclusion: In summary, large-scale implementation of the Healthy Buddies (TM) program by staff elementary school teachers demonstrates effectiveness in a variety of school settings in British Columbia and improves knowledge not only in Gr. 4 to Gr. 7 students but also in their younger, K to Gr. 3 buddies, which may have a positive impact on behaviours, attitudes and habits. (C) 2012 Canadian Diabetes Association