The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #39856

Martha Y. Kubik, PhD¹, Leslie A. Lytle, RD, PhD², Peter J Hannan, Mstat³, Mary Story, PhD, RD², and Cheryl L. Perry, PhD². (1) School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, 6-101 Weaver Densford Hall, 308 Harvard St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, 612-625-0606, kubik002@tc.umn.edu, (2) Division of Epidemiology, University of Minnesota, 1300 South Second Street, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454, (3) Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, 1300 South Second Street, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454-1015

The Center for Disease Control's Guidelines for School Health Programs to Promote Lifelong Healthy Eating focused attention on the powerful influence of the school environment on youth dietary patterns and identified several factors likely to influence student eating behavior. One of these factors, the food-related role modeling practices of school personnel, such as teachers, has received little attention from researchers. As part of the Teens Eating for Energy and Nutrition at School (TEENS) study, we surveyed 490 teachers from 16 middle schools in St. Paul-Minneapolis, MN regarding their eating practices while at school (response rate=70%; n=490/701). Study findings suggest that many teachers do not role model healthy eating behaviors. The prevalent use of vending was a particular concern, with beverage and snack vending use reported by 62% and 35% of teachers, respectively. The majority of vending items purchased were sweetened drinks(57%)and high fat, high sugar snacks(85%). Almost a third of teachers reported a la carte use, and most purchases were low-nutritive food items(60%). Significant correlates of teacher eating practices included age, level of support for the school food environment, fat intake and perceived health status. Our findings lend support to recommendations made by School Health and Policies Programs Study (SHPPS) investigators, who have called for the implementation of school-based health promotion programs that target faculty and staff. While such programs aim to improve faculty health, students will also benefit from exposure to school staff who role model health-enhancing behaviors.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session,participants will be able to

• Describe three common eating behaviors role modeled by middle school teachers, while at school.
• Identify four significant correlates of teacher eating behaviors.
• Discuss implications for teacher and student health.
• Articulate school-based policy and program measures that support healthy eating behaviors among teachers and students.

Keywords: School Health, Policy/Policy Development

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.