Eat Right Philly

USDA, SNAP-Ed

Yes

The modified Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) supplied by Pennsylvania (PA) SNAP-Ed, formerly known as PA Nutrition TRACKS, was used for both baseline and post-intervention surveys. The YRBS has been used by PA SNAP-Ed for several years and is well tested. In year one of the evaluation, students received the modified YRBS survey. In years two and three, additional curriculum-specific knowledge and attitude questions were added. These 19 supplemental questions were created and reviewed by faculty of the Drexel University Department of Nutrition Sciences and PA SNAP-Ed questions were developed based on the specific content of the five lessons being taught. A 0 to 5 rating scale was used by expert reviewers to decide the appropriateness and relevance of the questions. A score of 0 indicated the question was not appropriate for use, while a score of 5 was given to questions that were most appropriate for inclusion on the survey. After the intervention, an overall increase was seen in the amount of milk students reported consuming, but the type of milk was not specified. A knowledge and attitude survey added to the YRBS in years two and three showed significant improvements in knowledge and attitude. For instance, students showed a significant improvement in selecting the correct answers, including that as part of a healthy diet they should try to eat a variety of foods from the five food groups, exercise at least 60 minutes/day, and that soda contains “empty calories”. A 13.2% improvement was seen in student attitude by selecting that they would take the stairs if they went to a shopping mall. In addition to these changes, anecdotal observations were made that support the findings, specifically, students verbally volunteered that they were eating more vegetables, and after receiving the Drinks lesson, many students said they would not drink soda, demonstrating a personal motivation to make healthy changes.