1
|
Raghoebar S, Mesch A, Gulikers J, Winkens LHH, Wesselink R, Haveman-Nies A. Experts' perceptions on motivators and barriers of healthy and sustainable dietary behaviors among adolescents: The SWITCH project. Appetite 2024; 194:107196. [PMID: 38154577 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.107196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
The interplay of influences shaping dietary behaviors of adolescents needs to be well-understood to develop effective strategies stimulating healthy and sustainable behaviors. This study aimed to identify the most relevant, urgent, changeable and effective motivators and barriers of healthy and sustainable dietary behaviors among adolescents (10-19 years), as perceived by an inter- and transdisciplinary expert panel. Experts working in practice (N = 19) and academia (N = 13) - in the field of sustainability, health, nutrition and/or education - participated in this exploratory mixed-methods study. Five online semi-structured focus groups were conducted (6-7 participants). Data was thematically analyzed by two coders independently, using the socioecological framework. Subsequently, the same experts individually selected the five most relevant determinants and rated those on their urgency, changeability and effectiveness through an online questionnaire (N = 21). Participants revealed a wide system of 31 main determinants including 173 sub-determinants that motivate or hinder healthy and sustainable eating among adolescents. This system of determinants was mapped on the different layers of the socioecological model: individual factors (25 motivators; 30 barriers), social environments (15 motivators; 13 barriers), physical environments (18 motivators; 15 barriers), macro-level environments (19 motivators; 38 barriers). 'Role of peers' (social environment) was selected most as a determinant to be targeted in interventions (N = 13; urgency (M = 6.38) changeability (M = 3.85), effectiveness (M = 5.62)), followed by 'food environment around school' (N = 9; urgency (M = 5.78) changeability (M = 3.44), effectiveness (M = 5.44)), 'social influences' (N = 7; urgency (M = 5.43) changeability (M = 4.00), effectiveness (M = 5.71)), 'autonomy in development' (N = 7; urgency (M = 6.00) changeability (M = 4.29), effectiveness (M = 5.86)) and 'food availability' (N = 7; urgency (M = 6.29) changeability (M = 3.29), effectiveness (M = 6.29)). The prioritized determinants indicate that adolescents should be provided more supportive social and physical environments that promote healthy and sustainable dietary behaviors, taking into account their growing autonomy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanne Raghoebar
- Wageningen University & Research, Education & Learning Sciences Group, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Wageningen University & Research, Consumption & Healthy Lifestyles Group, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Anouk Mesch
- Wageningen University & Research, Education & Learning Sciences Group, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Wageningen University & Research, Consumption & Healthy Lifestyles Group, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Judith Gulikers
- Wageningen University & Research, Education & Learning Sciences Group, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Laura H H Winkens
- Wageningen University & Research, Consumption & Healthy Lifestyles Group, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Renate Wesselink
- Wageningen University & Research, Education & Learning Sciences Group, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Annemien Haveman-Nies
- Wageningen University & Research, Consumption & Healthy Lifestyles Group, Wageningen, the Netherlands; GGD Noord- en Oost-Gelderland, Academic Collaborative Center AGORA, Zutphen, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Silva P, Araújo R, Lopes F, Ray S. Nutrition and Food Literacy: Framing the Challenges to Health Communication. Nutrients 2023; 15:4708. [PMID: 38004102 PMCID: PMC10674981 DOI: 10.3390/nu15224708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutrition and food literacy are two important concepts that are often used interchangeably, but they are not synonymous. Nutrition refers to the study of how food affects the body, while food literacy refers to the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to make informed decisions about food and its impact on health. Despite the growing awareness of the importance of food literacy, food illiteracy remains a global issue, affecting people of all ages, backgrounds, and socioeconomic status. Food illiteracy has serious health implications as it contributes to health inequities, particularly among vulnerable populations. In addition, food literacy is a complex and multidisciplinary field, and there are numerous challenges to health communication that must be addressed to effectively promote food literacy and improve health outcomes. Addressing food illiteracy and the challenges to health communication is essential to promote health equity and improve health outcomes for all populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Silva
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Microscopy, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto (U.Porto), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- iNOVA Media Lab, ICNOVA-NOVA Institute of Communication, NOVA School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1069-061 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rita Araújo
- Departamento de Artes e Humanidades, Escola Superior de Comunicação, Administração e Turismo, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus do Cruzeiro—Avenida 25 de Abril, Cruzeiro, Lote 2, Apartado 128, 5370-202 Mirandela, Portugal;
| | - Felisbela Lopes
- Centro de Estudos de Comunicação e Sociedade, Instituto de Ciências Sociais, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal;
| | - Sumantra Ray
- NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition & Health, Cambridge CB4 0WS, UK;
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University at Coleraine, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
- Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0DG, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Improving adolescents' dietary behaviours in the school-setting: challenges and opportunities. Proc Nutr Soc 2023:1-14. [PMID: 36916515 DOI: 10.1017/s0029665123002197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Adolescence is a critical time of physical, psychological and social development, and thus, optimal nutritional intakes are required during this life stage. Despite this, adolescence is recognised as a period of nutritional vulnerability, with many reportedly failing to meet current dietary guidelines. The school-setting presents a favourable environment to intervene and promote positive dietary behaviours and is also inclusive regardless of socio-economic status. However, a lack of consensus exists on how best to utilise schools to facilitate improvements in dietary behaviours among this age group. Whilst previous research has focused on identifying the factors motivating dietary choices within the school-setting, less is known on the optimum strategies to enhance these dietary choices which could positively contribute to the design of future interventions. It is reported that adolescents have good nutritional knowledge, although this does not appear to be a central consideration when making their dietary choices. Alternative factors at the individual (taste, visual appeal, familiarity, food quality, price, portion size, value for money, time/ convenience), social (peer influence), physical (product placement) and macro environment (food availability) levels have been frequently cited as important influences on adolescents' dietary choices in school. Although school-based interventions have shown potential in achieving positive dietary change among adolescents, more research is needed to determine the most effective methods in improving dietary behaviours in schools. This review summarises the key factors which influence adolescents' school-based dietary choices and the effectiveness of previously conducted interventions, identifying promising components for consideration when developing future dietary interventions within the school-setting.
Collapse
|
4
|
Bel-Serrat S, von der Schulenburg A, Marques-Previ M, Mullee A, Murrin CM. What are the determinants of vegetable intake among adolescents from socioeconomically disadvantaged urban areas? A systematic review of qualitative studies. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2022; 19:158. [PMID: 36572889 PMCID: PMC9793665 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-022-01396-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence available on the determinants of vegetable intake in young populations is inconsistent. Vegetable intake is particularly low in adolescents from less-affluent backgrounds, yet no systematic review of qualitative studies investigating determinants for vegetable intake specifically has been conducted to date in this group. This systematic review aimed to identify determinants of vegetable intake in adolescents from socioeconomically disadvantaged urban areas located in very high-income countries reported in qualitative studies. METHODS Five electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO and ERIC) were searched until August 2022. The search strategy used combinations of synonyms for vegetable intake, adolescents, and qualitative methodologies. Main inclusion criteria were studies exploring views and experiences of motivators and barriers to vegetable intake in a sample of adolescents aged 12-18 years from socioeconomically disadvantaged urban areas in very high income countries. Study quality assessment was conducted using criteria established in a previous review. RESULTS Sixteen studies were included out of the 984 screened citations and 63 full texts. The synthesis of findings identified the following determinants of vegetable intake: sensory attributes of vegetables; psychosocial factors (nutrition knowledge, preferences/liking, self-efficacy, motivation); lifestyle factors (cost/price, time, convenience); fast food properties (taste, cost, satiety); home environment and parental influence; friends' influence; school food environment, nutrition education and teachers' support; and availability and accessibility of vegetables in the community and community nutrition practices. Studies attained between 18 and 49 out of 61 quality points, with eleven of 16 studies reaching ≥ 40 points. One main reason for lower scores was lack of data validation. CONCLUSION Multiple determinants of vegetable intake were identified complementing those investigated in quantitative studies. Future large scale quantitative studies should attempt to examine the relative importance of these determinants in order to guide the development of successful interventions in adolescents from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Bel-Serrat
- grid.7886.10000 0001 0768 2743National Nutrition Surveillance Centre, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Woodview House, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Antje von der Schulenburg
- grid.7886.10000 0001 0768 2743National Nutrition Surveillance Centre, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Woodview House, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Maria Marques-Previ
- grid.7886.10000 0001 0768 2743National Nutrition Surveillance Centre, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Woodview House, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Amy Mullee
- grid.516689.50000 0005 0713 0550Department of Health and Nutritional Sciences, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland
| | - Celine M Murrin
- grid.7886.10000 0001 0768 2743National Nutrition Surveillance Centre, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Woodview House, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lizarondo L, Stern C, Apostolo J, Carrier J, de Borges K, Godfrey C, Kirkpatrick P, Pollock D, Rieger K, Salmond S, Vandyk A, Loveday H. Five common pitfalls in mixed methods systematic reviews - lessons learned. J Clin Epidemiol 2022; 148:178-183. [PMID: 35341946 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2022.03.014] [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: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mixed methods systematic reviews (MMSR) combine quantitative and qualitative evidence within a single review. Since the revision of the JBI Methodology for MMSRs in 2020, there has been an increasing number of reviews published that claim to follow this approach. A preliminary examination of these indicated that authors frequently deviated from the methodology. This paper outlines five common 'pitfalls' associated with undertaking MMSR and provides direction for future reviewers attempting MMSR. METHODS Forward citation tracking identified 17 reviews published since the revision of the JBI mixed methods methodological guidance. Methods used in these reviews were then examined against the JBI methodology to identify deviations. RESULTS The issues identified related to the rationale for choosing the methodological approach; incorrect synthesis and integration approach chosen to answer the review question/s posed; the exclusion of primary mixed methods studies in the review; the lack of detail regarding the process of data transformation and a lack of 'mixing' of the quantitative and qualitative components. CONCLUSION This exercise was undertaken to assist systematic reviewers considering conducting a MMSR as well as MMSR users to identify potential areas where authors tend to deviate from the methodological approach. Based on these findings a series of recommendations are provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucylynn Lizarondo
- JBI, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, 55 Norwich House, King William Road, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Cindy Stern
- JBI, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, 55 Norwich House, King William Road, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Joao Apostolo
- Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing, Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal Centre for Evidence Based Practice: A JBI Centre of Excellence, Portugal
| | - Judith Carrier
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, The Wales Centre For Evidence Based Care: A JBI Centre of Excellence, Cardiff CF10 3AT, United Kingdom
| | - Kelli de Borges
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de For a, Campus Universitário, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, s/n - São Pedro, Juiz de Fora - MG, 36036-900, Brazil
| | - Christina Godfrey
- School of Nursing, Queen's University, Queen's Collaboration for Health Care Quality: A JBI Centre of Excellence Kingston, 99 University Ave, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Pamela Kirkpatrick
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Robert Gordon University, The Scottish Centre for Evidence-based, Multi-professional Practice: A JBI Centre of Excellence, Garthdee House, Garthdee Rd, Garthdee, Aberdeen AB10 7AQ, United Kingdom
| | - Danielle Pollock
- JBI, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, 55 Norwich House, King William Road, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Kendra Rieger
- School of Nursing, Trinity Western University, 22500 University Dr, Langley, British Columbia, V2Y 1Y1, Canada
| | - Susan Salmond
- School of Nursing, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, The Northeast Institute for Evidence Synthesis and Translation (NEST): A JBI Centre of Excellence, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Amanda Vandyk
- School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, 75 Laurier Ave. E, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Heather Loveday
- College of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare, University of West London, The University of West London Centre for Evidence-Based Healthcare: A JBI Centre of Excellence, St Mary's Rd, London W5 5RF, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lalchandani NK, Crabb S, Miller C, Hume C. Content analysis of school websites: policies and programs to support healthy eating and the environment. HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH 2022; 37:48-59. [PMID: 34907430 PMCID: PMC8946008 DOI: 10.1093/her/cyab040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Preschools and primary schools are important settings for the development of healthy eating habits and awareness of environmentally friendly practices. This study explored South Australian government schools' policies and programs in relation to healthy eating and environmentally friendly aspects of food choice (such as packaging), and whether any schools approached these issues in combination. Websites of 18 government preschools and primary schools in the Greater Adelaide region, stratified by low, medium and high socioeconomic status were reviewed for publicly available policies and other relevant content. A content analysis was undertaken, with policies and programs analysed deductively and thematically. Healthy eating (n = 8) and environment (n = 3) related policies were found on preschool websites only. The main themes observed across the three categories of interest (healthy eating, environmentally friendly practices and low-waste healthy foods) included the presence/absence of formal policy, promotional strategies and implementation. Expectations of children bringing healthy 'nude' foods that were environmentally friendly were mentioned informally on the websites but were not part of policy documents. Policies and programs around healthy eating and environmentally friendly practices (in combination) were lacking. There is scope to address this gap to improve health and sustainable outcomes within the school environment context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shona Crabb
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Level 4, 50 Rundle Mall Plaza, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Caroline Miller
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Level 4, 50 Rundle Mall Plaza, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Health Policy Centre, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Clare Hume
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Level 4, 50 Rundle Mall Plaza, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Øvrebø B, Stea TH, Bergh IH, Bere E, Surén P, Magnus P, Juliusson PB, Wills AK. A nationwide school fruit and vegetable policy and childhood and adolescent overweight: A quasi-natural experimental study. PLoS Med 2022; 19:e1003881. [PMID: 35041660 PMCID: PMC8765663 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND School free fruit and vegetable (FFV) policies are used to promote healthy dietary habits and tackle obesity; however, our understanding of their effects on weight outcomes is limited. We assess the effect of a nationwide FFV policy on childhood and adolescent weight status and explore heterogeneity by sex and socioeconomic position. METHODS AND FINDINGS This study used a quasi-natural experimental design. Between 2007 and 2014, Norwegian combined schools (grades 1-10, age 6 to 16 years) were obligated to provide FFVs while elementary schools (grades 1-7) were not. We used 4 nationwide studies (n = 11,215 children) from the Norwegian Growth Cohort with longitudinal or cross-sectional anthropometric data up to age 8.5 and 13 years to capture variation in FFV exposure. Outcomes were body mass index standard deviation score (BMISDS), overweight and obesity (OW/OB), waist circumference (WC), and weight to height ratio (WtHR) at age 8.5 years, and BMISDS and OW/OB at age 13 years. Analyses included longitudinal models of the pre- and post-exposure trajectories to estimate the policy effect. The participation rate in each cohort was >80%, and in most analyses <4% were excluded due to missing data. Estimates were adjusted for region, population density, and parental education. In pooled models additionally adjusted for pre-exposure BMISDS, there was little evidence of any benefit or unintended consequence from 1-2.5 years of exposure to the FFV policy on BMISDS, OW/OB, WC, or WtHR in either sex. For example, boys exposed to the FFV policy had a 0.05 higher BMISDS (95% CI: -0.04, 0.14), a 1.20-fold higher odds of OW/OB (95% CI: 0.86, 1.66) and a 0.3 cm bigger WC (95% CI: -0.3, 0.8); while exposed girls had a 0.04 higher BMISDS (95% CI: -0.04, 0.13), a 1.03 fold higher odds of OW/OB (95% CI: 0.75, 1.39), and a 0-cm difference in WC (95% CI: -0.6, 0.6). There was evidence of heterogeneity in the policy effect estimates at 8.5 years across cohorts and socioeconomic position; however, these results were inconsistent with other comparisons. Analysis at age 13 years, after 4 years of policy exposure, also showed little evidence of an effect on BMISDS or OW/OB. The main limitations of this study are the potential for residual confounding and exposure misclassification, despite efforts to minimize their impact on conclusions. CONCLUSIONS In this study we observed little evidence that the Norwegian nationwide FFV policy had any notable beneficial effect or unintended consequence on weight status among Norwegian children and adolescents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bente Øvrebø
- Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
- Department of Health and Inequalities, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Evaluation of Public Health Measures, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- * E-mail:
| | - Tonje H. Stea
- Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
- Department of Child and Adolescence Mental Health, Sørlandet Hospital, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Ingunn H. Bergh
- Department of Health and Inequalities, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elling Bere
- Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
- Department of Health and Inequalities, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Evaluation of Public Health Measures, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Pål Surén
- Department of Child Health and Development, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Per Magnus
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Petur B. Juliusson
- Department of Health Registry Research and Development, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Children and Youth Clinic, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Andrew K. Wills
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Department of Nutrition and Public Health, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
School-Based Nutrition Interventions in Children Aged 6 to 18 Years: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13114113. [PMID: 34836368 PMCID: PMC8618558 DOI: 10.3390/nu13114113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Schools are identified as a key setting to influence children’s and adolescents’ healthy eating. This umbrella review synthesised evidence from systematic reviews of school-based nutrition interventions designed to improve dietary intake outcomes in children aged 6 to 18 years. We undertook a systematic search of six electronic databases and grey literature to identify relevant reviews of randomized controlled trials. The review findings were categorised for synthesis by intervention type according to the World Health Organisation Health Promoting Schools (HPS) framework domains: nutrition education; food environment; all three HPS framework domains; or other (not aligned to HPS framework domain). Thirteen systematic reviews were included. Overall, the findings suggest that school-based nutrition interventions, including nutrition education, food environment, those based on all three domains of the HPS framework, and eHealth interventions, can have a positive effect on some dietary outcomes, including fruit, fruit and vegetables combined, and fat intake. These results should be interpreted with caution, however, as the quality of the reviews was poor. Though these results support continued public health investment in school-based nutrition interventions to improve child dietary intake, the limitations of this umbrella review also highlight the need for a comprehensive and high quality systematic review of primary studies.
Collapse
|
9
|
Rose K, O'Malley C, Brown L, Ells LJ, Lake AA. 'Pizza every day - why?': A survey to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 guidelines on secondary school food provision in the UK. NUTR BULL 2021; 46:160-171. [PMID: 34149313 PMCID: PMC8206956 DOI: 10.1111/nbu.12496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The nutritional requirements of adolescence and the reported poor UK eating behaviours of young people are a significant public health concern. Schools are recognised as an effective ‘place’ setting to enable improvement to nutrition outcomes. The COVID‐19 pandemic resulted in UK school closures from March 2020. In re‐opening in September 2020, schools were required to meet guidelines to ensure the minimised impact of COVID‐19 on the population (DfE 2020). We aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID‐19 school guidelines on secondary and post‐16 (16–18 years) food provision. An online survey was posted on 8th October to 1st December 2020, targeted at young people, parents and staff of secondary/post‐16 education establishments in the UK. Two hundred and fifty‐two responses were received, of which 91% reported a change in their school food provision, 77% reported time for lunch was shortened and 44% indicated the provision was perceived as less healthy during September 2020 (post‐lockdown school return) compared with March 2020 (pre‐lockdown). Analyses demonstrated that time, limited choice and healthiness impacted negatively upon young people's school food experience. The COVID‐19 pandemic has presented a huge challenge to the delivery of healthy school food to young people. Therefore, schools require more support in following national food standards and incorporating nutrition education and behaviour change strategies within current guidelines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Rose
- Centre for Public Health Research School of Health and Life sciences Teesside University Middlesbrough UK.,Fuse - Centre for Translational Research in Public Health Newcastle upon Tyne UK
| | - Claire O'Malley
- Centre for Public Health Research School of Health and Life sciences Teesside University Middlesbrough UK.,Fuse - Centre for Translational Research in Public Health Newcastle upon Tyne UK
| | - Laura Brown
- Centre for Public Health Research School of Health and Life sciences Teesside University Middlesbrough UK
| | - Louisa Jane Ells
- School of Clinical and Applied Sciences Leeds Beckett University Leeds UK
| | - Amelia A Lake
- Centre for Public Health Research School of Health and Life sciences Teesside University Middlesbrough UK.,Fuse - Centre for Translational Research in Public Health Newcastle upon Tyne UK
| |
Collapse
|