Health promotion in kindergarten children: an assessment of evaluated projects in Germany

Aim Health problems in childhood, which can be altered by basic preventive measures, are dramatically increasing. Therefore, effective primary prevention programmes beginning in early childhood are increasingly regarded as important. In this field a great deal of action, activities and interventions exist. The kindergarten setting is a particular field for integrated intervention. The special public health focus is to involve not only the children but also their parents, siblings, and teachers. Methods The aim of the project was to establish an inventory of health promotion measures as well as prevention programmes in kindergartens in Germany. The objective was a stock-taking and a critical assessment of evaluated programmes for preschool children with a main focus on obesity prevention, promotion of physical activity and nutrition education. This complete overview involved extensive literature research, internet research and interviews with experts. Results Regarding obesity prevention intervention programmes, only 13 evaluated measures were identified. Concerning promotion of physical activity and nutrition education, 41 measures were listed. A programme evaluation has been carried out very rarely. Only nine projects have had a documented qualified evaluation. With regard to cooperation with a research institution, the evaluation were competent. Nevertheless, the proportion of integrated projects with a sustainable character was quite small. For the most part, interventions are aimed at prevention at the behavioural level; activities at the conditional level are uncommon. Conclusion The results show an enormous demand on evaluated intervention programmes for kindergarten children, their relatives, and teachers. For future intervention programmes an evaluation is obligatory. Standardized measures are justified, because only such evaluated interventions were proved effective and successful. It is necessary to link existing projects, and not to create new programmes. A scientific analysis has shown that success is possible.