Local Wellness Policy Implementation and Demographic and Policy Characteristics in West Virginia School Districts

Background: Previous research on Local Wellness Policies (LWP) indicates varying degrees of policy implementation and quality across districts, and some studies have observed relationships between district demographics and LWP quality/strength. Purpose: This study investigates LWP implementation, quality and differences in district characteristics in WV schools. Significance: Assessing LWP implementation is important in determining policy impact. Methodology: LWPs and demographic information for all 55 WV school districts were obtained. As part of a larger evaluation of the state's childhood obesity legislation, policies were rated on 12 categories addressing LWP required components and best practices as well as language strength. Degree of LWP implementation was based on superintendent reports. Standardized t tests and ANOVA analyses assessed district and policy differences for degree of implementation and quality both independently and in combination. Results: Superintendent surveys (95% response rate) for the 2007-08 school year revealed LWP policy implementation remained at low levels for many districts: 8 were only 25% implemented, 18 were 50% implemented, 20 were 75% implemented and 7 were 100% implemented. No significant differences were found between district demographic characteristics and policy implementation independently or in combination with policy quality or strength. Conclusions: The low degree of LWP policy implementation 2 years after development is of concern. We found no evidence to suggest demographic or policy characteristics were significantly associated with degree of LWP implementation in WV school districts. Possible reasons for lack of associations are discussed including reports of implementation, district characteristics, and the LWP rating system.