Implementation of a Statewide Policy Mandating School-Based Fitness Assessment Screening, Georgia: 2018

Am J Public Health. 2020 Oct;110(10):1564-1566. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2020.305834. Epub 2020 Aug 20.

Abstract

Objectives. To evaluate the statewide implementation of childhood fitness assessment and reporting in Georgia.Methods. We collected survey data from 1683 (919 valid responses from a random-digit-dialed survey and 764 valid responses from a Qualtrics panel) parents of public school students in Georgia in 2018.Results. Most parents reported that their child participated in fitness assessments at school, yet only 31% reported receiving results. If a child was identified as needing improvement, parents were significantly more likely to change the diet and exercise of both the child and the family.Conclusions. A state-level mandatory fitness assessment for children may be successful in state-level surveillance of fitness levels; parental awareness of the policy, receipt of the fitness assessment information, and action on receiving the screening information require more efforts in implementation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Female
  • Georgia
  • Health Policy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mandatory Programs* / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Mandatory Programs* / organization & administration
  • Obesity / prevention & control
  • Parents / psychology*
  • Physical Fitness / physiology*
  • Schools*
  • Students / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires