EVALUATION OF JUMP INTO ACTION - A PROGRAM TO REDUCE THE RISK OF NON-INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES-MELLITUS IN SCHOOL-CHILDREN ON THE TEXAS-MEXICO BORDER

Jump Into Action, a school-based non-insulin dependent diabetes mellit us (NIDDM) prevention program, encourages students to eat low-fat food s and exercise regularly to reduce their risks for developing NIDDM. A study was conducted in a school district with a predominately Hispani c enrollment to assess the effectiveness of Jump Into Action in improv ing fifth-graders' knowledge, self-efficacy, and behaviors regarding N IDDM prevention. Jump Into Action was found effective in increasing kn owledge and self-efficacy regarding NIDDM prevention and improving die tary and exercise-related behaviors. These galls,were sustained from p osttest to follow-up-four weeks later.