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333189
Perceived versus observed implementation of local school wellness policies in the cafeteria


Tuesday, November 3, 2015 : 5:00 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.

Erin Biehl, MSPH, Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
Susan M. Gross, PhD, MPH, RD, Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
Beth Marshall, DrPH, Population Family and Reporductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
David M. Paige, MD MPH, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Kristin Mmari, DrPH, MA, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
Audio (mp3) recording Recorded Presentation (mp4)
Introduction: This analysis examines administrator perceptions of school wellness policies and their implementation as observed in cafeterias.

Methods: In a 2013 evaluation of New York City’s CookShop Program, we surveyed a principal or vice principal from 26 elementary schools about 25 nutrition policies concerning competitive foods, healthy food promotion, nutrition education, food advertisements, food rewards, and school wellness policies. Perceived implementation of each policy was scored from 0 (not implemented) to 3 (fully implemented) with a total score range of 0-75. In 10 schools, we also observed cafeteria environment factors relating to these policies. Data was analyzed by tabulating frequencies.

Results: Overall, the mean (sd) school nutrition policy score was 55.4 (10.3), range 34-75. Of the 10 schools observed, all reported having a policy to “Provide pleasant eating environments” with “plenty of seating” either partially (30% of schools) or fully (70%) in place.  Two schools participating in cafeteria observations had crowded seating (75-100% capacity). All schools reported a policy partially (20%) or fully (80%) in place to “Provide all students with at least 20 minutes to eat lunch (once they are seated).” Four schools had lunch periods <30 minutes. Six schools reported partially (40%) or fully (20%) having a policy encouraging staff to “model healthy eating habits.” Four schools (40%) did not have this policy. Teachers were observed eating lunch with students in only one school.

Discussion: This comparison of reported policies and observed cafeteria environment suggests that even if nutrition policies are in place they may not be enforced.

Learning Areas:

Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Identify school wellness policies that may not be fully implemented or enforced. Discuss challenges to effectively implementing local school wellness policies in the cafeteria.

Keyword(s): Nutrition, School-Based Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: My research interests are on preventing and reducing childhood obesity through school-based interventions and wellness policies. Before obtaining a master’s degree in public health and nutrition I implemented school nutrition education programs for children and adolescents. I have been involved in this study since January 2014 and worked closely with co-investigators on data analysis and publication writing.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 4418.0: School Policies and Practices to Support Healthy Food Access, Availability and Consumption