Healthy School Recognized Campus: A Hybrid Type 2 Implementation-Effectiveness Trial

This study uses a type 2 hybrid implementation-effectiveness, cluster dual randomized controlled trial (DRCT). DRCTs include two randomized controlled trials within the same study: one testing an intervention (i.e., HSRC) and one testing an implementation strategy (i.e., the mentoring program).

Schools in Central and East Texas (n=20) of similar socio-economic status will be randomized at baseline to either the HSRC condition or the Waitlist Control condition. In the HSRC condition, schools will attempt to deliver youth and adult physical activity or nutrition programs. In the Waitlist Control condition, schools will not add or remove any current physical activity and/or healthy eating programs, and will receive HSRC the next school year. Schools will also be randomized to receive the mentoring program or standard implementation immediately or after being a waitlist control.

Aim 1: Determine the effectiveness of the HSRC initiative compared to a control group on BMI-Z score, physical activity, and skin carotenoids (i.e., fruit and vegetable intake).

For Aim 1, the investigators will compare outcomes in 10 Texas schools that receive HSRC with 10 Waitlist Control communities.

Aim 2: Determine the impact of the mentoring program compared to standard implementation on short-term (acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility) and long-term (number of students reached, total dosage delivered) implementation outcomes.

For Aim 2, the investigators will compare outcomes in 10 Texas schools that receive the mentoring program with 10 that receive standard implementation.

School Inclusion Criteria:

• located in Central and East Texas
• Public school

Student Inclusion Criteria

• enrolled in the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, or 9th grade
• able to read, speak, and write in English

Student Exclusion Criteria:

• any motor or cognitive impairments or other health conditions that would prevent them from completing a physical assessment