Hannah R. Thompson
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About Hannah
Thompson’s research expertise is in the evaluation of programs/policies related to physical activity, nutrition, and youth health. Her work focuses on identifying best practices to improve health outcomes and reduce inequities, with a focus on school-based interventions with the largest potential to improve population health. As a former PE teacher, she is particularly interested in supporting school-based physical activity efforts through improved PE and recess. She has worked in educational/community settings for over 15 years, directing mixed-methods studies in collaboration with education departments, health care organizations, health departments, and community-based groups.
Contributions
In the News
Publications
Examines recess provision in low-income California elementary schools and finds that only 56% offer more than the recommended 20 minutes of daily recess, with larger and lower-income schools typically providing less recess compared to smaller and higher-income schools. Highlights the need for legislation to ensure adequate daily recess and for regular data collection to monitor and address these disparities over time.
Assesses the effectiveness of "PE Works," a multilevel intervention by the New York City Department of Education aimed at improving adherence to physical education (PE) laws in elementary schools. Identifies key factors for successful implementation of PE-related laws, and highlights the importance of targeted initial support, streamlined data collection, and ongoing support for maintaining PE quality.
Evaluates the impact of "The Bigger Picture" (TBP), a spoken word, arts-based public health literacy campaign, on urban, low-income high school students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings show that TBP led to significant improvements in students' understanding of health inequities and increased their intentions for civic engagement. Results suggest that arts-based, health equity-focused programming can positively impact youth, even when delivered online.
Evaluates the impact of physical education (PE) litigation on cardio-respiratory fitness among diverse fifth-grade students in California. Finds that schools in districts subject to PE litigation showed greater improvements in student fitness, particularly among students typically at higher risk for inactivity and low fitness. Results suggest that litigation can effectively enhance PE provision and student fitness.
Reviews the effectiveness of school-based body mass index (BMI) screening and reporting. Finds that while many states mandate BMI screening, there is little evidence that these practices effectively reduce childhood obesity or that they avoid increasing weight-based stigmatization. Highlights the need for further research to determine the effectiveness of school-based BMI screening and reporting as a tool for preventing childhood obesity.