1.
Internship Abstract
Title: Project Inspire­ Childhood Health Education Awareness
Name: Nidhi Jha
Preceptors: Yesenia Hernandez, Program Coordinator; Leslie Malachi, & Marlene Spina
Agency: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital­ Community Health Promotion
Program
Purpose:​ To assess the relationship between childhood obesity, and levels of nutrition and health
education in the New Brunswick area through an intervention program and self reported surveys.
Significance:​ In New Brunswick, 44% of 12­19 year olds are either overweight or obese as
reported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Among this age group, only 49% are
physically active for at least 60 minutes/ day. The Rutgers Center for State Health Policy states
that despite these high rates of overweight and obese children, 75% of the New Brunswick
parents think that their children are not overweight. Childhood obesity is influenced by prenatal,
genetic, familial, and environmental factors that later affect one’s health as an adult. Therefore, it
is important to raise awareness on childhood obesity in New Brunswick through motivational
programs that focuses on educating and motivating pre­teens to adapt a healthier lifestyle.
Method/Approach:​ Project Inspire, a 5 session interactive nutrition program aiming to develop
childhood health awareness among 10­14 year olds was implemented. Children learn about
nutrition and health, cook simple yet tasty recipes, and engage in different fitness activities. The
goal is for pre­teens in New Brunswick to become more educated on the importance of fitness as
well as learn creative methods to stay active daily. Self­reported surveys were also distributed
among parents of the participants to assess family involvement in daily fitness and their child’s
height and weight in relation to their Body Mass Index (BMI). Participant’s level of nutrition
education was evaluated before and after the program.
Outcomes: ​This session of Project Inspire had more participants than before (n=30). All the
students demonstrated active participation during discussions, activities and games. Of the
participants, 27% of the families are active for less than 60 minutes/day and only 46% of the
parents performed physical activities with their children regularly. Obesity rates are inconclusive
due to 65% of parent’s inability to report their child’s BMI.
Evaluation: ​Informational packets were distributed for participants and their families. Students
demonstrated 100 % improvement in their post examination proving that the program is
effective. Follow­up surveys can be done to measure levels of information retention by the
participants.