Peer-reviewed article

176 DiscoverU: A feasibility study of an afterschool mentoring program for adolescents that integrates social emotional learning, physical activity, and mindful eating

Arlinghaus K, Bell A, Goodman L, Sherwood N, McMorris B · 27 Apr 2023

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Rising rates of youth obesity, diabetes, depression, and anxiety necessitate programs that address physical and mental health concurrently. We describe a feasibility study for DiscoverU, an afterschool mentoring program that integrates multiple aspects of health including social emotional learning, physical activity, and mindful eating. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Trained college students mentored middle and high school students in a Midwestern school district. DiscoverU was delivered 2 hours, 2 days/week for 8 weeks. Based on self-determination theory, DiscoverU was designed to meet National Afterschool Association healthy eating and physical activity and social emotional learning standards. We assessed feasibility with participant attendance (middle, high school, and college students) and acceptability through qualitative data from participants and relevant stakeholders regarding facilitators/barriers to program implementation. We observed indicators of mentoring, lesson fidelity, and assessed physical activity using accelerometry. Pre-post surveys measured self-realization, self-regulation, mindful eating, and physical activity self-efficacy. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We expect DiscoverU to be feasible and well accepted. We anticipate attendance will be similar or higher than that of other afterschool programs in the district. From focus groups we expect to hear a variety of factors that facilitate/prevent program engagement and learn about the acceptability of specific lessons. We expect to gain insight on processes and procedures from school stakeholders that will inform the sustainability of DiscoverU. We expect program fidelity to be high and mentoring skills to improve over the course of the program. We anticipate the majority of participants will meet National Afterschool Alliance physical activity guidelines. Preliminary outcomes of self-determination, self-regulation, mindful eating, and physical activity self-efficacy are expected to improve over the program. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Findings will help determine the readiness of DiscoverU to be scaled to other schools. A subsequent randomized effectiveness study will evaluate DiscoverU’s impact on intervention mechanisms (e.g., self-determination, self-efficacy) as well as on physical activity, diet, weight, and depression/anxiety symptomology.