Preliminary Effectiveness of the Culture of Wellness in Preschools (COWP) Parent Wellness Workshops

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Preliminary Effectiveness of the Culture of Wellness in Preschools (COWP) Parent Wellness Workshops
Language: English
Authors: Lilia Chavez Bernal, Julia M. L. Pangalangan (ORCID 0009-0007-4549-4314), Sharon Scarbro, Jini E. Puma
Source: Health Education Journal. 2026 85(1):84-92.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 9
Publication Date: 2026
Sponsoring Agency: US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Contract Number: 177430
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Education
Early Childhood Education
Descriptors: Wellness, Workshops, Parent Education, Eating Habits, Nutrition, Physical Activity Level, Life Style, Family Programs, Program Effectiveness, Health Behavior, Computer Use, Distance Education, In Person Learning, Child Health, Early Childhood Education, Young Children, Spanish Speaking, Federal Programs, Welfare Services
Geographic Terms: Colorado
Laws, Policies and Program Identifiers: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
DOI: 10.1177/00178969251378263
ISSN: 0017-8969
1748-8176
Abstract: Objective: The objective of this study was to understand the impacts of a comprehensive wellness workshop series on parent behaviours and to assess whether this was affected by language and delivery method (virtual/in-person). Design/Setting: "Culture of Wellness in Preschools" (COWP) is a comprehensive early childhood obesity prevention programme that promotes a 'culture of wellness' by increasing fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity in families. This study evaluated a core component of "Culture of Wellness," the Parent Wellness Workshops, delivered virtually and in-person in English and Spanish. The workshops covered key topics including trying new foods, physical activity and screen time, beverages, celebrating family health, and promoting positive eating behaviours. Methods: Multiple mixed effects linear models assessed differences in pre- and postsurveys administered at the start and end of the workshop. Six health behaviour outcomes were assessed: fruit intake, vegetable intake, beverage intake, physical activity, and screen time in parents, controlling for age. Results: All health outcomes showed statistically significant improvement, except for screen time. Effectiveness did not differ by delivery method or language except for water intake, with more of an increase in water intake in adults attending virtual programming (P = 0.02). Conclusions: The "Culture of Wellness" parent wellness workshops led to significant changes in eating patterns and physical activity in this sample of caregivers. This study fills a gap in the literature by assessing differences in health promotion programme impact across language and delivery methods, thereby informing programme planning and implementation for English- and Spanish-speaking communities.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1495908
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Objective: The objective of this study was to understand the impacts of a comprehensive wellness workshop series on parent behaviours and to assess whether this was affected by language and delivery method (virtual/in-person). Design/Setting: "Culture of Wellness in Preschools" (COWP) is a comprehensive early childhood obesity prevention programme that promotes a 'culture of wellness' by increasing fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity in families. This study evaluated a core component of "Culture of Wellness," the Parent Wellness Workshops, delivered virtually and in-person in English and Spanish. The workshops covered key topics including trying new foods, physical activity and screen time, beverages, celebrating family health, and promoting positive eating behaviours. Methods: Multiple mixed effects linear models assessed differences in pre- and postsurveys administered at the start and end of the workshop. Six health behaviour outcomes were assessed: fruit intake, vegetable intake, beverage intake, physical activity, and screen time in parents, controlling for age. Results: All health outcomes showed statistically significant improvement, except for screen time. Effectiveness did not differ by delivery method or language except for water intake, with more of an increase in water intake in adults attending virtual programming (P = 0.02). Conclusions: The "Culture of Wellness" parent wellness workshops led to significant changes in eating patterns and physical activity in this sample of caregivers. This study fills a gap in the literature by assessing differences in health promotion programme impact across language and delivery methods, thereby informing programme planning and implementation for English- and Spanish-speaking communities.
ISSN:0017-8969
1748-8176
DOI:10.1177/00178969251378263