Allowing and Using Foods of Low Nutritional Value in Elementary School Classrooms: The Implications of Teachers' Beliefs

Teacher Experience, Personal Health, and Dieting Status Is Associated With Classroom Health-Related Practices and Modeling

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests that schools play an important role in student health; however, little is known about variability in teachers' use of food-related classroom practices. In this study, we examined associations between teacher demographic and individual factors and their food-related practices and modeling in the classroom.

METHODS

We had 239 teachers in the United States complete an online survey about their demographics (years of teaching experience, socioeconomic status of the school), personal health status, height and weight, and nutrition knowledge. Teachers also reported on the unhealthy food-related practices they use in their classroom (eg, candy as a reward) and modeling (ie, engaging in unhealthy and healthy eating practices in front of students).

RESULTS

Hierarchical linear regressions were computed for each outcome separately. After controlling for socioeconomic status, fewer years of teaching experience and lower perception of personal health were associated with the use of unhealthy practices in the classroom. Teachers who were dieting were more likely to endorse healthy modeling.

CONCLUSIONS

Teacher demographic and individual factors are associated with food-related classroom behavior. These findings have implications for interventions to promote the health of teachers and their students.

Understanding System-Level Intervention Points to Support School Food and Nutrition Policy Implementation in Nova Scotia, Canada

Supporting the implementation of school food and nutrition policies (SFNPs) is an international priority to encourage healthier eating among children and youth. Such policies can improve equitable access, resources, and supports for healthy eating. However, despite the potential impact of SFNPs, several implementation barriers have been reported. This study sought to examine the system-level intervention points within a school food system using a complex systems framework. We conducted semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders working to influence the school food system in Nova Scotia, Canada. We sought to understand their roles and experiences with the SFNP by applying the Intervention Level Framework (ILF), a novel, solutions-oriented approach to better understand how complex systems function. Participants (n = 33) included teachers, parents, cafeteria workers, public health staff and non-profit organizations. Interview transcripts were first coded, then themed and finally analyzed using the ILF, resulting in three intervention points within the school food system. These were defined as: (1) Actors and Elements, (2) System Regulation and Interconnections and (3) Purpose and Values. We concluded that understanding the interactions between these system levels and stakeholder roles can help to inform the development of relevant policy strategies that better support healthier school food environments in this jurisdiction.

Effects of an Adolescent Obesity Management Educational Program on Middle and High School Teachers in South Korea

PURPOSE

This study aimed to examine the effects of an adolescent obesity management educational program (AOMEP) on middle and high school teachers.

METHODS

A quasiexperimental, pretest post-test design was performed to test primary variables, including adolescent obesity management knowledge, attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention based on the concepts presented in the Theory of Planned Behavior.

RESULTS

A total of 61 teachers participated. The experimental group (n = 30) received 15 hours of AOMEP, whereas the control group (n = 31) did not receive any. The experimental group showed significant improvement in knowledge (t = 2.53, d = .65, p = .014) and attitude (t = 2.77, d = .71, p = .008) toward adolescent obesity management compared to the control group. However, there were no significant differences in perceived behavioral control or behavioral intention between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

AOMEP may be utilized as an effective obesity management program for adolescent students in schools.