The effect of parent education on the home food environment for overweight adolescents in West Virginia

This study is a pre and post-intervention study examining family involvement and healthy food behaviors prior to and three month post nutrition education. The intervention was conducted as part of a residential summer camp for overweight adolescents in West Virginia. Twenty-one parents were included, one parent per camper. The intervention included nine hours of nutritional instructional time consisting of lectures, PowerPoint presentations, and a grocery store tour. Data were measured to determine occurrence of positive changes within the home environment of these families. Parent education sessions were evaluated. A factor analysis and independent samples t test were used respectively to assess internal consistency and pre and post-intervention changes. Significant positive improvements occurred in the following: nutritious food availability (p\u3c0.02), meal planning (p\u3c0.02), aspects of positive family meals (p\u3c0.02). Parent education sessions as part of a residential summer camp intervention made an impact on overall home environment based on parent perceptions