[Cardiovascular Health School Program (PESCA). Methodology and initial results: 2018-2020].

Zárate Osuna, Fernando; Zapico, Augusto G; Martín Carpi, Francisco Javier; Ramón Krauel, Marta; González Gross, Marcela

INTRODUCTION despite the fact that 40 % of children in Spain, ages 6 to 9, are overweight or obese, and 2/3 of them are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease, there is a lack of protocolized efficient interventions to fight this important health problem. The PESCA project aims to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity with a transversal model focused on a school intervention, but also involving families and primary care doctors, to increase the quantity and quality of physical activity (PA) and improve eating habits. METHODS a 5-step protocol was carried out at schools: 1) family and personal background questionnaire for children; 2) body mass index (BMI); 3) bioimpedance corporal composition (BIA); 4) hand grip dynamometry (DIN); and 5) medical physical examination. As a result, each subject received a medical report about his/her diagnosis of body weight and composition and cardiovascular health, and also recommendations to improve eating habits and increase physical activity. RESULTS in the first two years of PESCA, the weekly time of physical activity has significantly increased among participants (up to 20.12 %; p < 0.001). In addition, the prevalence of overweight/obesity has significantly declined in both girls and children under 6 years of age (35.78 % and 58.92 %; p < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION the school, pediatrician, and family working together on a transversal intervention has shown effectiveness in reducing the lack of diagnosis and prevalence of overweight and obesity in children.