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Varela EG, Shelnutt KP, Miller DM, Zeldman J, Mobley AR. Policy, Systems, and Environmental Strategies to Support Healthy Eating Behaviors in Early Childhood: A Scoping Review of Existing Evaluation Tools. J Acad Nutr Diet 2024:S2212-2672(24)00720-2. [PMID: 39033923 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2024.07.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change strategies aimed at supporting healthy eating behaviors work to enhance optimal nutrition by making healthy foods more available and accessible in the community. PSE change strategies can complement and strengthen knowledge, skills, and behaviors obtained through individual-level nutrition education. OBJECTIVE This scoping review aimed to identify existing literature evaluating early childhood (ie, children younger than age 5 years) PSE change strategies supporting healthy eating behaviors and to describe the evaluation tools used to assess the identified PSE change strategies. METHODS Three databases (PubMed, Cumulated Index in Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Web of Science) were used to systematically search for articles published between 2013 and 2023 written in English and conducted in the United States that evaluated PSE change strategies supporting healthy eating behaviors in young children (ie, children younger than age 5 years). Two study members conducted the review, discussing and reconciling discrepancies until a consensus was reached for interobserver reliability. RESULTS Findings from this review identified 48 studies evaluating early childhood PSE change strategies supporting healthy eating behaviors, with 36 studies using 25 PSE-focused evaluation tools to evaluate these strategies. Most tools (80%) assessed PSE change strategies supporting access and availability of healthy food and beverage options in early childhood education settings. Studies did not evaluate child-level outcomes (ie, attitudes, preferences, and behaviors) to showcase improvement of early childhood nutrition. Only 60% of the tools reported evidence of validity or reliability. CONCLUSIONS Most of the studies identified in this scoping review were aimed to evaluate healthy eating PSE change strategies focused on improving access to and availability of healthy foods and beverages in early childhood education settings. Future research is needed to develop and validate PSE-focused evaluation tools assessing child-level healthy eating practices and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elder Garcia Varela
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Karla P Shelnutt
- Department of Family, Youth & Community Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - David M Miller
- Collaborative Assessment and Program Evaluation Services, School of Human Development and Organizational Studies in Education, College of Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Jamie Zeldman
- Department of Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Amy R Mobley
- Department of Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
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Butscher F, Ellinger J, Singer M, Mall C. Influencing factors for the implementation of school-based interventions promoting obesity prevention behaviors in children with low socioeconomic status: a systematic review. Implement Sci Commun 2024; 5:12. [PMID: 38347649 PMCID: PMC10860312 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-024-00548-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health inequity (HI) remains a major challenge in public health. Improving the health of children with low socioeconomic status (SES) can help to reduce overall HI in children. Childhood obesity is a global problem, entailing several adverse health effects. It is crucial to assess the influencing factors for adoption, implementation, and sustainment of interventions. This review aims to identify articles reporting about influencing factors for the implementation of school-based interventions promoting obesity prevention behaviors in children with low SES. It aims to critically appraise the articles' quality, assess influencing factors, categorize and evaluate them, and to discuss possible implications. METHODS A systematic search was conducted in 7 databases with the following main inclusion criteria: (1) school-based interventions and (2) target group aged 5-14 years. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, its five domains (intervention characteristics, inner setting, outer setting, characteristics of individuals, process) along with 39 categories within these domains were used as deductive category system for data analysis. We grouped the articles with regard to the characteristics of the interventions in simple and complex interventions. For each domain, and for the groups of simple and complex interventions, the most commonly reported influencing factors are identified. RESULTS In total, 8111 articles were screened, and 17 met all eligibility criteria. Included articles applied mixed methods (n=11), qualitative (n=5), and quantitative design (n=1). Of these, six were considered to report simple interventions and eleven were considered to report complex interventions. In total, 301 influencing factors were assessed. Aspects of the inner setting were reported in every study, aspects of the outer setting were the least reported domain. In the inner setting, most reported influencing factors were time (n=8), scheduling (n=6), and communication (n=6). CONCLUSION This review found a wide range of influencing factors for implementation and contributes to existing literature regarding health equity as well as implementation science. Including all stakeholders involved in the implementation process and assessing the most important influencing factors in the specific setting, could enhance implementation and intervention effectiveness. More empirical research and practical guidance are needed to promote obesity prevention behaviors among children with low SES. REGISTRATION CRD42021281209 (PROSPERO).
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Butscher
- TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department Health and Sport Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60/62, 80992, Munich, Germany.
| | - Jan Ellinger
- TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department Health and Sport Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60/62, 80992, Munich, Germany
| | - Monika Singer
- TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department Health and Sport Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60/62, 80992, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Mall
- TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department Health and Sport Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60/62, 80992, Munich, Germany
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Gkintoni E, Vantaraki F, Skoulidi C, Anastassopoulos P, Vantarakis A. Promoting Physical and Mental Health among Children and Adolescents via Gamification-A Conceptual Systematic Review. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:102. [PMID: 38392455 PMCID: PMC10886329 DOI: 10.3390/bs14020102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The rapid growth in digital technology usage among children and adolescents has highlighted the need for novel approaches to promote their physical and mental health. This paper investigates the viability of gamification-the application of game mechanics to non-gaming contexts-as a potent instrument for health promotion and mental health support. This conceptual systematic review seeks to examine the various published articles promoting children and adolescents' physical and mental health through gamified techniques. These interventions can provide an interactive and engaging platform for encouraging physical activity, promoting healthy nutrition, enhancing emotional regulation, and promoting mental health. The significance of this topic stems from the pervasive use of electronic games, beginning at a young age, which makes them popular educational tools. For the review to be systematic and reproducible, the PsycINFO, Scopus, PubMed, and Elsevier databases were searched and the PRISMA method was utilized for the analysis. After analyzing the research data, empirical studies assessing the use of gamification in promoting adolescents' physical and mental health are discussed. In conclusion, gamification has demonstrated promise for promoting children's and adolescents' physical and mental health. It improves motivation, commitment, and adherence to healthy behaviors. However, additional research is required to evaluate gamification interventions' long-term effectiveness and sustainability in promoting health behaviors among this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenia Gkintoni
- Lab of Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Rio, Greece
| | - Fedra Vantaraki
- Lab of Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Rio, Greece
| | | | | | - Apostolos Vantarakis
- Lab of Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Rio, Greece
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McCrossan E, Fornaro EG, Servello S, Hawes P, Erdem E, Struloeff K. "A Growing Relationship": Cultivating Organizational Readiness to Influence Implementation of Policy, Systems, and Environmental (PSE) Change Programming in SNAP-Ed Funded School-Community Partnerships. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2023; 55:394-403. [PMID: 37074256 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Provide a nuanced understanding of how Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) implementers decide what programming a school is ready to implement and the organizational factors that facilitate the initial implementation of programming in schools. DESIGN Case studies conducted at schools during 2018-19. SETTING Nineteen School District of Philadelphia schools receiving nutrition programming funded by SNAP-Ed. PARTICIPANTS Interviews were conducted with 119 school staff and SNAP-Ed implementers. A total of 138 hours of observations of SNAP-Ed programming were completed. PHENOMENON OF INTEREST How do SNAP-Ed implementers decide what PSE programming a school is ready to implement? What organizational factors can be developed to facilitate the initial implementation of PSE programming in schools? ANALYSIS Interview transcripts and observation notes were coded deductively and inductively on the basis of theories of organizational readiness for programming implementation. RESULTS Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education implementers focused on schools' existing capacity when determining readiness for programming. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Findings suggest that if SNAP-Ed implementers only focus on a school's existing capacity when assessing its readiness for programming, the school might not receive the programming it needs. Findings suggest SNAP-Ed implementers could develop a school's readiness for programming by concentrating efforts on cultivating relationships, program-specific capacity, and motivation at schools. Findings have equity implications for partnerships in underresourced schools that may have limited existing capacity and consequentially could be denied vital programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin McCrossan
- Office of Research and Evaluation, the School District of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA.
| | - Elisabeth G Fornaro
- Office of Research and Evaluation, the School District of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Soula Servello
- Office of Research and Evaluation, the School District of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Peter Hawes
- Office of Research and Evaluation, the School District of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Ebru Erdem
- Office of Research and Evaluation, the School District of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Katrina Struloeff
- Catalyst @ Penn GSE, University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, Philadelphia, PA
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St. Pierre C, Guan W, Barry L, Dease G, Gottlieb S, Morris A, Merrill J, Sacheck JM. Themes in Train-the-Trainer Nutrition Education Interventions Targeting Middle School Students: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2021; 13:2749. [PMID: 34444910 PMCID: PMC8398099 DOI: 10.3390/nu13082749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Context-appropriate nutrition education interventions targeting middle school students have the potential to promote healthy dietary patters that may help prevent unnecessary weight gain at a point in childhood development when youth experience increasing agency over their food choices. The aim of this review was to identify and synthesize themes in train-the-trainer approaches, intervention content and delivery, and youth receptivity across teacher, mentor, and peer-led nutrition education interventions that targeted middle school-age youth in urban, primarily low-income settings. A systematic, electronic literature search was conducted in seven electronic databases, PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, ERIC, PsycINFO, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane CENTRAL, using fixed inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 53 papers representing 39 unique interventions were selected for data extraction and quality assessment. A framework synthesis approach was used to organize the interventions into six categories and identify themes according to whether the intervention was classroom-based or out-of-school-based and whether adults, cross-age peers or same-age peers delivered the intervention. Ten of the interventions contained multiple components such that they were included in two of the categories. The review findings indicated that trainings should be interactive, include opportunities to role-play intervention scenarios and provide follow-up support throughout intervention delivery. Interventions targeting middle school youth should include positive messaging and empower youth to make healthy choices within their specific food environment context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine St. Pierre
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA; (G.D.); (J.M.S.)
| | - Win Guan
- Up2Us Sports, New York, NY 10018, USA; (W.G.); (J.M.)
| | - Leah Barry
- Department of Sociology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA; (L.B.); (S.G.)
| | - Grace Dease
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA; (G.D.); (J.M.S.)
| | - Sydney Gottlieb
- Department of Sociology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA; (L.B.); (S.G.)
| | - Arielle Morris
- School of Science & Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA;
| | | | - Jennifer M. Sacheck
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA; (G.D.); (J.M.S.)
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Molitor F, Doerr C. SNAP-Ed Policy, Systems, and Environmental Interventions and Caregivers' Dietary Behaviors. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2020; 52:1052-1057. [PMID: 32680822 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2020.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine dietary behaviors and diet quality among caregivers of children regarding the number of policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change interventions implemented in their neighborhoods. METHODS Households with incomes ≤185% of the federal poverty level were randomly sampled throughout California. A validated 24-h dietary recall assessment tool was administered by telephone. The independent variable was the number of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education PSE change interventions per census tract where the caregivers lived. RESULTS Most (69.1%) of the 2,222 caregivers were Latino. Policy, systems, and environmental reach predicted decreased intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (P = 0.022, Cohen d = -0.12) and added sugar (P = 0.014, Cohen d = -0.18), and increased Healthy Eating Index-2015 scores (P = 0.046, Cohen d = 0.18), regardless of race and/or ethnicity, age, or reach of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education direct education. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Replication of these methods and findings, and comparisons of dietary outcomes in association with PSE change interventions with and without direct education activities aimed at the same population under study, are encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred Molitor
- Department of Communication Studies, California State University, Sacramento, Sacramento, CA.
| | - Celeste Doerr
- Public Health Institute, Center for Wellness and Nutrition, Sacramento, CA
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