Increasing Low-income Children's Access to Healthy Structured Programming to Reduce Obesity

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the impact of providing low-income children aged 5 to 12 access to healthy structured programs outside of school hours to help reduce obesity. The study focuses on two critical times when children are vulnerable to unhealthy behaviors that contribute to weight gain: after school and during the summer vacation. It aims to test whether access to afterschool and summer day camp programs can improve weight status and related behaviors in elementary children from low-income families. The study involves four groups in a randomized design: a control group with no program access, a group receiving vouchers for afterschool programs during the school year (32 weeks), a group with vouchers for summer day camps during the 8-week summer vacation, and a group receiving vouchers for both afterschool and summer programs. The afterschool programs provide snacks, homework help, enrichment activities, and physical activity opportunities from 3 to 6 pm on school days. Summer day camps offer daily physical activities, enrichment, academic programming, and meals during the summer. Participants will be monitored over a 14-month period, including assessments at the end and beginning of school years and after the summer. Researchers will measure changes in body mass index (BMI) z-scores and obesogenic behaviors such as physical activity, screen time, diet, and sleep. The study also evaluates cost-effectiveness of the interventions. Children’s participation includes attending the programs as assigned and completing periodic evaluations to track their health status and behaviors.

Healthy Kids Beyond the Bell: Investigating the Impact of After-School and Summer Programs