School-Based Physical Activity Enhancement Programmes to Reduce Risk Factors Associated with Type 2 Diabetes in Developing Island Settings

Abstract

Economic development in areas such as Southeast Asia have resulted in a shift from traditional dietary patterns Western-style consumption of foods high in fats and processed carbohydrates. This economic-nutritional shift has resulted in an increase in chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. The Pacific Basin is experiencing similar economic growth due to tourism and other development activities resulting in an increase of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study will seek to determine if the increasing rates of type 2 diabetes can be linked to similar patterns of economic growth, as well as implement a type 2 diabetes screening and lifestyle-based intervention program among at-risk school children aged 10-15 years, and their caregivers.

Keywords: Health Belief Model, diabetes, type 2 diabetes, lifestyle modification, obesity, overweight, public health, physical activity, school-based programmes, community-based interventions, economic and nutritional shifting, non-communicable diseases, public health, NCD epidemiology, medical anthropology