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  • Title: Primary prevention of disordered eating among preadolescent girls: feasibility and short-term effect of a community-based intervention.
    Author: Neumark-Sztainer D, Sherwood NE, Coller T, Hannan PJ.
    Journal: J Am Diet Assoc; 2000 Dec; 100(12):1466-73. PubMed ID: 11138438.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a community-based intervention aimed at the primary prevention of disordered eating among preadolescent girls. DESIGN: Girl Scout troop members were randomized into control and intervention groups. Program feasibility and effect at postintervention and 3-month follow-up were evaluated. SUBJECTS/SETTING: 226 girls (mean age = 10.6 years, standard deviation = 0.7) from 24 Girl Scout troops. INTERVENTION: Six 90-minute sessions focusing on media literacy and advocacy skills. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Evaluation focused on program satisfaction and short-term effect on dieting behaviors, body image attitudes, and media knowledge, attitudes, and habits. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Performed t tests, chi 2 tests, and analyses of covariance including troop as a random source of variation. RESULTS: At baseline, 29% of the girls were trying to lose weight. The program had a notable positive influence on media-related attitudes and behaviors including internalization of sociocultural ideals, self-efficacy to impact weight-related social norms, and print media habits. A modest program effect on body-related knowledge and attitudes was apparent at post-intervention (i.e., on body size acceptance, puberty knowledge, and perceived weight status) but not at follow-up. Significant changes were not noted for dieting behaviors, but they were in the hypothesized direction. Satisfaction with the program was high among girls, parents, and leaders. APPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to use community youth settings, such as the Girl Scouts, to implement interventions to prevent disordered eating behaviors. The program led to positive trends in outcome variables; however, longer and more intensive interventions are needed for lasting changes in body image and dieting behaviors.
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