Impact of Implementation and Conduct of the HEALTHY Primary Prevention Trial on Student Performance

Abstract

Purpose.

To determine whether a school-wide intervention program to reduce risk factors for type 2 diabetes (T2D) affected student achievement, rates of disciplinary actions, and attendance rates.

Design.

The HEALTHY primary prevention trial was designed to evaluate a comprehensive school-based intervention to reduce factors for T2D, especially overweight and obesity. Students were followed up from beginning of sixth grade (Fall 2006) through end of eighth grade (Spring 2009).

Setting.

Forty-two middle schools at seven U.S. sites.

Subjects.

Schools were randomized in equal numbers at each site to intervention (21 schools, 2307 students) or control (21 schools, 2296 students).

Intervention.

An integrated school-wide program that focused on (1) foods and beverages, (2) physical education, (3) classroom-based behavior change and education, and (4) social marketing communication and promotional campaigns.

Measures.

Aggregate (grade- and school-wide) test performance (passing rate), attendance, and referrals for disciplinary actions.

Analysis.

Descriptive statistics and tests of intervention versus control using mixed linear models methods to adjust for the clustering of students within schools.

Results.

There were no differences between intervention and control schools in test performance for mathematics (p = .7835) or reading (p = .6387), attendance (p = .5819), or referrals for disciplinary action (p = .8671).

Conclusion.

The comprehensive HEALTHY intervention and associated research procedures did not negatively impact student achievement test scores, attendance, or referrals for disciplinary action.