Healthy Kids Beyond the Bell: Investigating the Impact of After-School and Summer Programs

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA · May 25, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The "Healthy Kids Beyond the Bell" clinical trial is studying how after-school and summer programs can help prevent obesity in children, especially those from low-income families. The researchers believe that structured activities during these times can protect kids from unhealthy habits that lead to weight gain. By providing these children with vouchers for healthy after-school programs and summer camps, the study aims to see if this support can help them maintain a healthy weight.

To participate in this study, children must be in kindergarten through 4th grade at a partner school and qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, which indicates their family's income level. Parents will need to give their consent for their child to join the study. It's important to note that children with certain disabilities or those who plan to move or enroll in other camps during the study period won't be eligible. Participants can look forward to engaging in fun, structured activities that promote healthy habits over a 14-month period, helping them lead a healthier lifestyle.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • k-4th grader in a partner school
• • eligible for free and reduced price lunch (a widely recognized indicator of
• • socioeconomic level and poverty status)
• • parent that indicates "yes' on an informed consent document for participation in the study
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Diagnosis of an intellectual disability, such as Down Syndrome, Fragile X, Fetal Alcohol
• • a physical disability, such as wheelchair use, that prevents the ability to ambulate without assistance.
• • Families who plan to enroll their children in a summer camp or after school program or relocate (i.e., move) during the 14-month period that they participate