Abstract
To optimize public health in the next decade, prevention of childhood obesity will remain a central focus. To impact behavioral change, data must be linked to continuous quality improvements within existing nutrition and physical activity programming. The Children, Youth, and Families At-Risk Professional Development and Technical Assistance Center has developed a picture-based, online survey tool, the CYFAR Health Assessment Tool (CHAT), to assess health behaviors in youth ages 6 to18 years of age. Used for continuous program improvement, aggregate data results are coupled with tailored health recommendations in 4 domains (behavior and environmental modifications, education, and direct strategies) and evidence-informed resources for dissemination to youth and parents. Program implementers use the data and resources for targeted programmatic improvements that more effectively promote health and well-being. CHAT also informs our collective understanding of youth’s perceptions of health in comparison to their actual behaviors.
Recommended Citation
Palmer, Laura; McCarthy, Kimberly; Perkins, Daniel; and Borden, Lynne
(2018)
"Online Child’s Health Assessment Tool for Obesity
Prevention Programming,"
Journal of Youth Development: Vol. 13:
Iss.
3, Article 4.
DOI: 10.5195/jyd.2018.599
Available at:
https://open.clemson.edu/jyd/vol13/iss3/4
