Implementation process and acceptance of a setting based prevention programme to promote healthy lifestyle in preschool children

Objective: Evaluation of the implementation process of a
kindergarten-based intervention ('TigerKids') to promote a healthy
lifestyle. Design: Questionnaire survey among kindergarten teachers
about programme implementation and acceptance. Setting:
Kindergartens in Bavaria, Germany. Methods: Two hundred and fifteen
kindergartens were included; 96.3 % returned informative
questionnaires. `TigerKids' is a multi-approach behavioural
intervention programme to increase physical activity level and to
promote healthy eating in preschool children. Project elements and
materials are designed for kindergarten teachers, children, and
their parents. The main outcome measures of the study are
implementation, acceptance, and estimated effectiveness of the
intervention programme. Results: The elements for promoting healthy
lifestyle were implemented regularly in the participating
kindergartens: 94.2 % used the drinking station daily, 75.8 %
prepared the magic fruit plate daily, and 63.3 % carried out the
activity programme at least two times per week. The educators
reported that the children ate more fruits and vegetables, drank
more non-sugared beverages, and were more active. The designed
materials and elements for the children, the educators, and the
parents were also evaluated positively by the kindergarten
teachers. Conclusion: The `TigerKids' programme is a suitable
instrument for health promotion in the kindergarten setting.