Parental Knowledge, Beliefs and Attitudes toward School Wellness Policy and School Health Environment

Background: In 2004, Congress passed an act and required that all school districts establish a School Wellness Policy (SWP). However, little research is available about how parents perceive the policy. This study examined parental knowledge of, and beliefs about the SWP implemented in their child's school as well as parental attitudes toward school health environment. Methods: Parents (N=298) of 4th graders from 7 schools in rural mid-south Texas with predominantly Hispanic enrollment completed a 197-item questionnaire. Items assessed included factors associated with, and barriers to reducing childhood obesity. Questionnaire subscales specific to school health policies and school health environment were analyzed using SPSS 20.0. Results: Among the 298 participants, 208 (69.8%) had no knowledge (i.e., never seen nor heard) about federal requirements for school districts to establish SWP; 228 (76.5%) had not read their child's school district's SWP; 277 (97%) believed having a nutrition/wellness policy in their child's school is important. Regarding school health environment, although many parents were satisfied with their child's food options (n=168, 56.4%) and physical activity opportunities (n=202, 67.8%) available at school, the majority (n=272, 91.3%) indicated that schools should do more to promote students' healthy eating and physical activity. Conclusions: Despite the implementation of the SWP in their child's school, few parents knew about it. Schools should raise parents' awareness of the policy and increase parental involvement in the implementation of the policy. Moreover, schools should listen to opinions from parents and collaborate with parents to facilitate students' healthy eating and physical activity.