The Present and Future
JACC State-of-the-Art Review
Lessons Learned From 10 Years of Preschool Intervention for Health Promotion: JACC State-of-the-Art Review

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2021.10.046Get rights and content
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open access

Highlights

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    Health promotion from early childhood is a global priority and can be delivered effectively to preschool-aged children.

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    Lasting lifestyle changes can be promoted by health promotion strategies initiated in early childhood through locally coordinated and community-supported science-based multidimensional and multilevel programs.

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    Further research is needed to clarify the factors such as socioeconomic status that influence child health and effectiveness of intervention.

Abstract

Implementing a health promotion program for children is a complex endeavor. In this review, we outline the key lessons learned over 10 years of experience in implementing the SI! Program (Salud Integral–Comprehensive Health) for cardiovascular health promotion in preschool settings in 3 countries: Colombia (Bogotá), Spain (Madrid), and the United States (Harlem, New York). By matching rigorous efficacy studies with implementation science, we can help bridge the divide between science and educational practice. Achieving sustained lifestyle changes in preschool children through health promotion programs is likely to require the integration of several factors: 1) multidisciplinary teams; 2) multidimensional educational programs; 3) multilevel interventions; 4) local program coordination and community engagement; and 5) scientific evaluation through randomized controlled trials. Implementation of effective health promotion interventions early in life may induce long-lasting healthy behaviors that could help to curb the cardiovascular disease epidemic.

Key Words

cardiovascular disease
child
health promotion
implementation science
lifestyle
prevention

Abbreviations and Acronyms

BH
body and heart
BMI
body mass index
CVD
cardiovascular disease
KAH
knowledge, attitudes, and habits
PA
physical activity
SES
socioeconomic status

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Listen to this manuscript's audio summary by Editor-in-Chief Dr Valentin Fuster on JACC.org.

Amit Khera, MD, served as Guest Associate Editor for this paper. Athena Poppas, MD, served as Guest Editor-in-Chief for this paper.

The authors attest they are in compliance with human studies committees and animal welfare regulations of the authors’ institutions and Food and Drug Administration guidelines, including patient consent where appropriate. For more information, visit the Author Center.

© 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier on behalf of the American College of Cardiology Foundation.