Coronary disease risk factor reduction and behavior modification in minority adolescents: The PATH program

Paul S. Fardy, Richard E.C. White, Katie Haltiwanger-Schmitz, John R. Magel, Kevin J. McDermott, Luther T. Clark, Madeline M. Hurster

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

52 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of a unique school-based program of exercise, health education, and behavior modification on health knowledge, health behaviors, coronary risk factors, and cardiovascular fitness in minority adolescents. Methods: A total of 346 students from an inner-city public high school participated in health promotion intervention or regular physical education volleyball classes. Subjects were African-American (47%), Asian-American (9%), Hispanic (21%), white (3%), and other (19%). The health promotion curriculum consisted of 11 weeks of daily circuit training exercise and health lecture-discussions. Results: The groups were similar in age, height, weight, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Following intervention, both boys (P < .001) and girls (P < .006) significantly improved health knowledge test scores. Significant benefits for girls included improved dietary habits (P < .05), reduced cholesterol (P < .004), and higher estimated V̇O2max (P < .0001). There were no other significant changes in boys. Conclusions: The results suggest that a school-based health promotion program of exercise and health lecture-discussion is beneficial for multiethnic, inner-city adolescents, especially females.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)247-253
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Adolescent Health
Volume18
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1996

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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