Perceptions of secondary school staff toward the implementation of school-based activities to prevent weight-related disorders: A needs assessment

A questionnaire was mailed to all 173 junior and senior high school nurses, social workers, and science, health, physical education, and home economics teachers in a St. Paul school district to determine their reactions to the elements of a comprehensive school based program for the prevention of weight-related disorders. The 114 respondents thought that programs to prevent obesity, eating disorders, and unhealthy dieting should be implemented in schools. Programs felt to be most appropriate included integration of prevention materials into existing curriculum, increased time devoted to physical activity, and individual and group work with high risk individuals. Most were interested in staff training.