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Sharma SV, Senn M, Zieba A, Tang M, Chuang RJ, Byrd-Williams C, Pomeroy M, Gaminian A, Cox J, French K, Ranjit N. Design, protocol and baseline data of Nurturing Healthy Teachers, a cluster non-randomized controlled trial to improve the health, well-being, and food security of preschool and elementary school teachers in Houston, Texas. Prev Med Rep 2024; 40:102674. [PMID: 38464420 PMCID: PMC10924131 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2024.102674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background We present the conceptual framework, design, and study measures of Nurturing Healthy Teachers, a quasi-experimental study to examine the short- and long-term effectiveness of the Nurturing Healthy Teachers (NHT) nutrition intervention on food insecurity, dietary behaviors, mental health and cardiometabolic health among preschool and elementary school teachers. Methods A convenience sample of 28 elementary schools with pre-kindergarten and elementary classrooms were recruited in Houston, Texas. Nurturing Healthy Teacher intervention includes Brighter Bites, an evidence-based coordinated school health program that combines access to fresh produce and nutrition education, and Create Healthy Futures, a web-based nutrition education program that targets nutrition knowledge, self-efficacy, mindfulness, and social support to create healthy habits among teachers. The primary outcome is food insecurity. Secondary outcomes include diet quality, mental health, and cardiometabolic health. Metabolic markers and skin carotenoid levels were assessed using in-person assessments, while all other measures were obtained via questionnaire. Results At baseline, most of the participants were female, 63 % identified as Hispanic, were highly educated, and had a mean age of 42.6 years. Overall, 50 % of teachers were classified as being obese and 20 % had high cholesterol. At baseline teachers had a mean HbA1c (%) of 5.6 %. Moderate to severe depression was experienced by 18 % of teachers and 23 % of teachers experienced moderate to severe anxiety. Conclusions The results of this study will inform next steps towards future implementation and evaluation of teacher-focused interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreela V. Sharma
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Health Equity, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, 1200 Pressler St, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mackenzie Senn
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Health Equity, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, 1200 Pressler St, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Angela Zieba
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Health Equity, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, 1200 Pressler St, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Miao Tang
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Health Equity, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, 1200 Pressler St, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ru-Jye Chuang
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Health Equity, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, 1200 Pressler St, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Courtney Byrd-Williams
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, 1616 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Jill Cox
- Penn State Extension Better Kid Care, 103 Innovation Blvd., Suite 214, State College, PA 16803, USA
| | - Katherine French
- Penn State Extension Better Kid Care, 103 Innovation Blvd., Suite 214, State College, PA 16803, USA
| | - Nalini Ranjit
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, 1616 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX, USA
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Lessard L, Hallam R. Chronic Disease Risk of Family Child Care Professionals:: Results of a Statewide Survey of Health and Wellbeing Indicators. Dela J Public Health 2024; 10:8-10. [PMID: 38572139 PMCID: PMC10987026 DOI: 10.32481/djph.2024.03.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To document the chronic disease risk factors and prevalence rate of family child care professionals. Given that a significant number of young children spend time in family child care (FCC) settings, these environments are an important focus for efforts to improve children's health. Methods Data were collected in fall 2021 from a statewide survey of licensed FCC professionals in one mid-Atlantic state (N=541), using validated questionnaires to assess health status, including chronic diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, and asthma, as well as nutrition and physical activity. Results While a majority of respondents reported good overall health and adherence to healthy behaviors like drinking water, eating fruits and vegetables, and engaging in physical activity, a substantial proportion were overweight or have obesity (86.1%), and there were notable rates of high blood pressure (41.1%) and asthma (17.9%). The study found higher diabetes rates among FCC professionals compared to national averages for early childhood education workers, possibly reflecting demographic differences. Conclusions The results highlight both areas needing support, such as managing chronic disease risks, and areas where FCC professionals excel, like maintaining healthy lifestyle habits. Policy Implications There is a need for targeted support for FCC professionals to manage and prevent chronic diseases, thereby ensuring their wellbeing and enabling them to continue being positive health role models for the children in their care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lessard
- Department of Health Behavior and Nutrition, Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood, University of Delaware
| | - Rena Hallam
- Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood, Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Delaware
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Kenney EL, Poole MK, Frost N, Kinderknecht K, Mozaffarian RS, Andreyeva T. How policy implementation shapes the impact of U.S. food assistance policies: the case study of the Child and Adult Care Food Program. FRONTIERS IN HEALTH SERVICES 2023; 3:1286050. [PMID: 38028947 PMCID: PMC10653325 DOI: 10.3389/frhs.2023.1286050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Much of the chronic disease burden in the U.S. population can be traced to poor diet. There has been a sustained focus on influencing children's diets and encouraging healthier eating habits by changing policies for what foods and beverages can be served to children through large federally-funded nutrition assistance programs. Yet without attention to how nutrition policies are implemented, and the surrounding context for these policies, these policy changes may not have the intended results. In this perspective, we used Bullock et al.'s (2021) Process Model of Implementation from a Policy Perspective to analyze how the complexities of the implementation process of large-scale nutrition policies can dilute potential health outcomes. We examine the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), a federal program focused on supporting the provision of nutritious meals to over 4 million children attending childcare, as a case study. We examine how the larger societal contexts of food insecurity, attitudes towards the social safety net, and a fragmented childcare system interact with CACFP. We review the "policy package" of CACFP itself, in terms of its regulatory requirements, and the various federal, state, and local implementation agencies that shape CACFP's on-the-ground implementation. We then review the evidence for how each component of the CACFP policy implementation process impacts uptake, costs, feasibility, equity, and effectiveness at improving children's nutrition. Our case study demonstrates how public health researchers and practitioners must consider the complexities of policy implementation processes to ensure effective implementation of nutrition policies intended to improve population health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica L. Kenney
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mary Kathryn Poole
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Kelsey Kinderknecht
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Rebecca S. Mozaffarian
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Tatiana Andreyeva
- Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
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Jakstas T, Follong B, Bucher T, Miller A, Shrewsbury VA, Collins CE. Addressing schoolteacher food and nutrition-related health and wellbeing: a scoping review of the food and nutrition constructs used across current research. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2023; 20:108. [PMID: 37700281 PMCID: PMC10498614 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-023-01502-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Teachers form a large and essential workforce globally. Their wellbeing impacts personal health-related outcomes with flow on effects for the health, and wellbeing of their students. However, food and nutrition (FN) interventions that include teachers, typically neglect the impact of personal FN factors on a teachers' ability to achieve optimal nutrition-related health and wellbeing, and successfully fulfil their professional FN roles as health promoters, gate keepers, educators', and role models. The aim of this review was to scope FN constructs that have been studied internationally regarding teacher FN-related health and wellbeing. METHODS Six databases were searched, and papers extracted in June/July 2021. Eligibility criteria guided by the population, concept, context mnemonic included studies published after 2000, in English language, with an aspect of personal FN-related health and wellbeing, among in-service (practising) and pre-service (training), primary, and secondary teachers. Screening studies for inclusion was completed by two independent researchers with data extraction piloted with the same reviewers and completed by lead author, along with complete descriptive and thematic analysis. RESULTS Ten thousand six hundred seventy-seven unique articles were identified with 368 eligible for full text review and 105 included in final extraction and analysis. Sixty-nine descriptive studies were included, followed by 35 intervention studies, with the main data collection method used to assess both personal and professional FN constructs being questionnaires (n = 99 papers), with nutrition knowledge and dietary assessment among the most commonly assessed. CONCLUSION FN constructs are used within interventions and studies that include teachers, with diversity in constructs included and how these terms are defined. The evidence from this scoping review can be used to inform data collection and evaluation in future epidemiological and interventional research that addresses teacher FN-related health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammie Jakstas
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Food and Nutrition Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Berit Follong
- National Institute for Health Innovation, The University of Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Tamara Bucher
- Food and Nutrition Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Andrew Miller
- School of Education, College of Human and Social Futures, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Teachers and Teaching, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Vanessa A Shrewsbury
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Food and Nutrition Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Clare E Collins
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
- Food and Nutrition Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia.
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Willis EA, Burney R, Hales D, Ilugbusi LO, Tate DF, Nezami B, Clarke EC, Moore RH, Mathews E, Thompson M, Beckelheimer B, Ward DS. "My wellbeing-their wellbeing "- An eHealth intervention for managing obesity in early care and education: Protocol for the Go NAPSACC Cares cluster randomized control trial. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286912. [PMID: 37418363 PMCID: PMC10328321 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To fully leverage the potential of the early care and education (ECE) setting for childhood obesity prevention, initiatives must not intervene solely at the organizational level, but rather they should also address the health needs of the ECE workers. Workers suffer disproportionately high rates of obesity, and have reported low confidence in modeling and promoting healthy eating and activity behaviors. However, information regarding the effectiveness of improving ECE workers' health behaviors or whether such improvements elicit meaningful change in the ECE environment and/or the children in their care is limited. METHOD The proposed study will integrate a staff wellness intervention into a nationally recognized, ECE obesity prevention initiative (Go NAPSACC). Go NAPSACC+ Staff Wellness program will be assessed using a clustered randomized controlled trial including 84 ECE centers, 168 workers, and 672 2-5-year-old children. Centers will be randomly assigned to 1) standard "Go NAPSACC" or 2) Go NAPSACC+ Staff Wellness. Outcome measures will assess impact on dietary intake and PA behaviors of 2-5-year-old children at 6 months (primary aim) and 12 months. Secondarily, we will compare the impact of the intervention on centers' implementation of healthy weight practices and the effect on ECE workers' diet quality and PA at 6- and 12 months. DISCUSSION This trial expects to increase our understanding of how ECE worker's personal health behaviors impact the health behaviors of the children in their care and the ECE environment. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05656807, registered on 19 December 2022. Protocol version 1.0, 22 March 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik A. Willis
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Regan Burney
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Derek Hales
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - LeAndra O. Ilugbusi
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Deborah F. Tate
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Brooke Nezami
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Emily C. Clarke
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Renee H. Moore
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Emma Mathews
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Meredith Thompson
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Brittany Beckelheimer
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Dianne S. Ward
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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Rech JP, Chaudhary P, Schenkelberg M, Dinkel D. A Convergent Mixed Methods Study to Explore Physical Activity Among Teachers and Children During the Preschool Day. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION JOURNAL 2023:1-10. [PMID: 37360606 PMCID: PMC10066951 DOI: 10.1007/s10643-023-01486-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Preschool teachers are uniquely positioned to impact children's physical activity levels, yet the relationship between teachers' and children's physical activity levels has not been widely investigated. The purpose of this study was to explore preschool teachers' physical activity levels, practices, and perceptions and how this relates to children's physical activity at preschool centers. This convergent mixed methods study included eight teachers and 20 children from four preschool classrooms. Accelerometers were used to measure their physical activity. Pearson correlations were used to explore the relationship between teachers' and children's physical activity levels. Direct observation was used to contextualize children's physical activity while at preschool. Teachers completed a semi-structured interview to explore their physical activity perceptions and practices. On average, teachers and children were physically active for 50.2 ± 9.3% and 29.5 ± 7.0% of their time at preschool, respectively. A significant positive correlation (p = 0.02; r = 0.98) was found between teachers' and children's percent of time at preschool per day in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Children mostly engaged in low-intensity activities (stationary play; light walking) during free play both indoors and outdoors and were mostly sedentary during teacher-initiated group times. All teachers stated they had a positive influence on children's physical activity. Teachers commonly reported pain or health conditions as a barrier to their physical activity. There was a positive relationship between teachers' and children's physical activity. More research is needed to confirm this relationship and to explore the impacts of high amounts of occupational physical activity on teachers' health. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10643-023-01486-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P. Rech
- University of Nebraska - Omaha, School of Health & Kinesiology, 6001 Dodge Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68182 USA
| | - Priyanka Chaudhary
- University of Nebraska - Omaha, School of Health & Kinesiology, 6001 Dodge Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68182 USA
| | - Michaela Schenkelberg
- University of Nebraska - Omaha, School of Health & Kinesiology, 6001 Dodge Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68182 USA
| | - Danae Dinkel
- University of Nebraska - Omaha, School of Health & Kinesiology, 6001 Dodge Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68182 USA
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Winchester LJ, Hooper AL, Kerch CJ. Ease of restroom access influences fluid consumption habits and health in classroom teachers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2023; 29:386-391. [PMID: 35296215 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2022.2053346] [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: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. There are rising concerns about the health of classroom teachers in the USA, including stress, hypertension and frequent urinary tract infections. Teacher working conditions are likely a contributor to their health concerns. Many teachers report that they cannot easily take a restroom break at work, and therefore they consume minimal water or other fluids. This study investigated the relationship between restroom access and fluid consumption and the prevalence of renal and cardiovascular health complications in classroom teachers. Methods. The responses of 844 teachers (92% women, 8% men; 65.1% between age 26 and 45 years) to an online survey about restroom accessibility, fluid consumption and health were analyzed using descriptive statistics, χ2 analyses and logistic regression. Results. Fifty-nine percent of teachers could not easily take a restroom break, and 54.7% consumed fewer than 2 cups of water per workday. Furthermore, 44.8% reported being pre-hypertensive and 4.9% reported being hypertensive. Teachers with insufficient restroom access were significantly more likely to report frequent urinary tract infections. Conclusions. This study demonstrates a relationship between restroom access, fluid consumption and renal/cardiovascular health in classroom teachers. Future research should directly investigate how teacher work environment impacts renal and cardiovascular health.
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Sisson SB, Malek-Lasater A, Ford TG, Horm D, Kwon KA. Predictors of Overweight and Obesity in Early Care and Education Teachers during COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2763. [PMID: 36768129 PMCID: PMC9915895 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032763] [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: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine individual, sociocultural, policy, and economic predictors of overweight/obesity in early care and education (ECE) teachers to identify modifiable opportunities to enhance the health of this critical workforce. ECE teachers (n = 1434) in the U.S. completed an online survey in late spring to mid-summer 2020. Teachers self-reported height and weight; body mass index (BMI) and weight status were calculated. Teachers reported micro-environment variables including age, race, gender, obesogenic lifestyle behaviors, well-being, food security, personal health, stress, job stress, type of ECE, COVID-19 teaching modality, and age of children in the classroom. Logistic regression predicting overweight/obesity and linear regression predicting BMI were conducted. Teachers with more years of teaching experience (OR: 1.022: 95% CI 1.005, 1.039) and higher consumption of fast food (2.038: 1.310, 3.169) had higher odds of overweight/obesity. Teachers with higher levels of education (0.58: 0.407, 0.828) and higher physical health (0.836: 0.775, 0.902) had lower odds of overweight/obesity. Other variables were not associated with overweight/obesity. Variables significant in logistic regression were also associated with higher BMI. Additionally, Native American race (β = 2.467 SE = 1.206) and sedentary hours/day (β = 0.152 SE = 0.075) were associated with higher BMI. Implications for enhancing workplace health for these ECE teachers are emerging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan B. Sisson
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1200 N. Stonewall Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA
| | - Adrien Malek-Lasater
- Department of Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum, College of Education and Human Services, University of North Florida, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Timothy G. Ford
- Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, The University of Oklahoma, 4502 E. 41st Street, 4W101, Tulsa, OK 74135, USA
| | - Diane Horm
- Early Childhood Education Institute, The University of Oklahoma-Tulsa, 4502 E. 41st Street, Tulsa, OK 74135, USA
- Department of Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum, University of Oklahoma, 820 Van Vleet, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Kyong-Ah Kwon
- Department of Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum, University of Oklahoma, 820 Van Vleet, Norman, OK 73019, USA
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Hatton-Bowers H, Clark C, Parra G, Calvi J, Bird MY, Avari P, Foged J, Smith J. Promising Findings that the Cultivating Healthy Intentional Mindful Educators' Program (CHIME) Strengthens Early Childhood Teachers' Emotional Resources: An Iterative Study. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION JOURNAL 2022; 51:1-14. [PMID: 35967911 PMCID: PMC9360643 DOI: 10.1007/s10643-022-01386-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Findings suggest that an eight-week mindfulness compassion-based program, Cultivating Healthy Intentional Mindful Educators (CHIME), is a feasible professional development intervention for early childhood (EC) teachers to support their emotion regulation and psychological and workplace well-being. We offer preliminary evidence that learning about mindfulness, self-compassion, and social-emotional learning supports EC teachers in strengthening their knowledge and application of practices to be more mindful and less emotionally reactive and emotionally exhausted at work. In analyzing both EC teacher feedback and survey data from two pilot studies, there was promising evidence that participating in CHIME enhanced awareness of emotions and the development of strategies to manage emotions. As CHIME is further developed and refined it will be integral to have collaborative engagement and participation from EC teachers and programs to ensure that learning these practices are relevant, helpful, meaningful, and sustainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Hatton-Bowers
- Department of Child, Youth, and Family Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Louise Pound Hall, 231.T, Lincoln, NE USA
| | - Caron Clark
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Gilbert Parra
- Department of Child, Youth, and Family Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Louise Pound Hall, 231.T, Lincoln, NE USA
| | - Jessica Calvi
- Salivary Bioscience Laboratory, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | | | - Pearl Avari
- Department of Child, Youth, and Family Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Louise Pound Hall, 231.T, Lincoln, NE USA
| | | | - John Smith
- Department of Child, Youth, and Family Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Louise Pound Hall, 231.T, Lincoln, NE USA
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Shining the Light on You:. Dela J Public Health 2022; 8:42-46. [PMID: 36177173 PMCID: PMC9495482 DOI: 10.32481/djph.2022.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To design and assess the effectiveness of an evidence-based intervention to improve the health and wellbeing of family child care professionals. Methods The early care and education (ECE) workforce, and family child care (FCC) educators in particular, face challenges to their wellbeing, mental and physical health. In addition, the demographics of the FCC workforce – disproportionately composed of low-income women of color - are associated with higher risk for chronic diseases. The Shining the Light on You program is designed to address FCC professional wellbeing in a feasible, evidence-based manner. The program includes weekly virtual sessions co-facilitated by a Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (HWC) and a Technical Assistance Coach (Early Childhood Specialist) and three individual coaching sessions with the HWC. HWC is built upon a foundation of behavior change theories, motivational strategies and effective communication approaches from psychology, medicine, public health and related fields. Using a mixed methods approach to gather data, participants from three initial cohorts of the program (n=33) implemented in Delaware reported improvement in health and wellbeing indicators. Results Participants reported improvements in social support, physical activity and water consumption from pre- to post-program surveys. In interviews conducted with the participants following the program, participants consistently commented on the connections between all components of wellbeing and the importance of self-care. Conclusions This model demonstrates the potential of integrating best practices from HWC and the ECE system.
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Early Care and Education Workers' Experience and Stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052670. [PMID: 35270362 PMCID: PMC8910108 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Early care and education (ECE) workers experience many job-related stressors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ECE programs either closed or remained open while workers faced additional demands. We deployed a survey of the center-based ECE workforce in Washington State (United States) one year into the COVID-19 pandemic to assess impacts and workers' perceived stress levels. We describe the prevalence of reported impacts, including workplace closures; job changes; COVID-19 transmission; risk factors for severe COVID-19; the use of social distancing practices; satisfaction with workplace responses; perceptions of worker roles, respect, and influence; and food and financial insecurity. Themes from open-ended responses illustrate how workers' jobs changed and the stressors that workers experienced as a result. Fifty-seven percent of ECE workers reported moderate or high levels of stress. In a regression model assessing unique contributions to stress, work changes that negatively impacted home life contributed most to stress. Feeling respected for one's work and feeling positive about one's role as an "essential worker" contributed to lower levels of stress. Experiencing financial insecurity, caring for school-aged children or children of multiple ages, being younger, and being born in the United States also contributed to higher stress. Findings can inform policies designed to support the workforce.
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Randall K, Ford TG, Kwon KA, Sisson SS, Bice MR, Dinkel D, Tsotsoros J. Physical Activity, Physical Well-Being, and Psychological Well-Being: Associations with Life Satisfaction during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Early Childhood Educators. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9430. [PMID: 34574354 PMCID: PMC8465281 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Seeking personal well-being and life satisfaction during a global pandemic can be daunting, such is the case for early care and education teachers who were considered non-health care essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The potential changes in their physical activity, along with their overall physical and psychological well-being, may have ultimately influenced their life satisfaction. These changes included the potential for increased sedentary behaviors. Despite the high health risks associated with these factors during the pandemic, the role of physical activity in early care and education teachers' well-being and life satisfaction remains largely unknown. The purpose of this study is to examine the associations of physical activity and sedentary behaviors with teacher well-being and life satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. In doing so, we explored two competing models of the relationship between the teachers' physical activity, well-being, and life satisfaction, one with physical activity as a mediator and the other with teachers' well-being as a mediator. An online survey, that collected information on physical, psychological, and professional well-being, job demands, and life satisfaction, was completed by 1434 US ECE teachers in 46 states. To test our hypothesized models, we conducted confirmatory factor analyses, followed by structural equation modeling. Of the respondents, 77% were overweight or obese and only 39% met the recommended 150 min of moderate physical activity per week. They had a mean life satisfaction score that qualifies as slight satisfaction, they experience moderate stress, and, collectively, are approaching the threshold for depression yet still reflect moderate-to-high work commitment. The empirical test of our competing mediation models found the model where teacher well-being mediated the association between physical activity, sedentary behavior, and life satisfaction was the superior model. The relationships between physical activity, sedentary behavior, and overall well-being suggest that these modifiable risk factors can be addressed such that early care and education teachers can improve their overall physical and psychological well-being, along with their life satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Randall
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Allied Health, University of Oklahoma Schusterman Center, 4502 East 41st Street, Tulsa, OK 74135, USA;
| | - Timothy G. Ford
- Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Jeanine Rainbolt College of Education, University of Oklahoma Schusterman Center, 4502 East 41st Street, Tulsa, OK 74135, USA;
| | - Kyong-Ah Kwon
- Department of Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum, Jeanine Rainbolt College of Education, University of Oklahoma, 820 Van Vleet Oval, Norman, OK 73019, USA;
| | - Susan S. Sisson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Allied Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1200 North Stonewall Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
| | - Matthew R. Bice
- Department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences, University of Nebraska at Kearney, 2504 9th Ave, Kearney, NE 68849, USA;
| | - Danae Dinkel
- School of Health and Kinesiology, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, University of Nebraska at Omaha, H & K Building, 6001 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68182, USA;
| | - Jessica Tsotsoros
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Allied Health, University of Oklahoma Schusterman Center, 4502 East 41st Street, Tulsa, OK 74135, USA;
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Neshteruk CD, Willis E, Smith F, Vaughn AE, Grummon AH, Vu MB, Ward DS, Linnan L. Implementation of a workplace physical activity intervention in child care: process evaluation results from the Care2BWell trial. Transl Behav Med 2021; 11:1430-1440. [PMID: 33864466 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibab034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Care2BWell was designed to evaluate the efficacy of Healthy Lifestyles (HL), a worksite health promotion intervention to increase child care workers' physical activity. The purpose of this study was to use process evaluation to describe the implementation of HL and determine if different levels of implementation are associated with changes in workers' physical activity. Data were collected from 250 workers randomized to HL, a 6 month, multilevel intervention that included an educational workshop followed by three 8 week campaigns that included self-monitoring and feedback, raffle incentive, social support, and center director coaching. Process evaluation data collection included direct observation, self-reported evaluation surveys, website analytics and user test account data, tracking databases and semi-structured interviews. Implementation scores were calculated for each intervention component and compared at the center and individual levels. Nearly a third of workers never self-monitored and few (16%) met self-monitoring goals. Only 39% of centers engaged with the social support component as intended. Raffle and social support components were perceived as the least useful. Implementation varied widely by center (25%-76%) and individual workers (0%-94%). No within- or between-group differences for high compared to low implementation groups for change in physical activity were evident. Interview themes included limited sustainability, competing priorities, importance of social support, and desire for a more intensive, personalized intervention. Wide variation in implementation may explain limited effects on intervention outcomes. Future worksite interventions designed for child care workers can use these findings to optimize health promotion in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody D Neshteruk
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Erik Willis
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Falon Smith
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Amber E Vaughn
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Anna H Grummon
- Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maihan B Vu
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Dianne S Ward
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Laura Linnan
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Mofleh D, Ranjit N, Chuang RJ, Cox JN, Anthony C, Sharma SV. Association Between Food Insecurity and Diet Quality Among Early Care and Education Providers in the Pennsylvania Head Start Program. Prev Chronic Dis 2021; 18:E60. [PMID: 34138698 PMCID: PMC8220947 DOI: 10.5888/pcd18.200602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Food insecurity affects dietary behaviors and diet quality in adults. This relationship is not widely studied among early care and education (ECE) providers, a unique population with important influences on children’s dietary habits. Our study’s objective was to explore how food insecurity affected diet quality and dietary behaviors among ECE providers. Methods We used baseline data from a cluster-randomized controlled trial (January 2019−December 2020) on 216 ECE providers under the Pennsylvania Head Start Association. We used radar plots to graph scores for the Healthy Eating Index 2015 and the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) 2010 and fitted a multivariate regression model for diet quality measures, adjusting for covariates. Results Among the 216 participants, 31.5% were food insecure. ECE providers who were food insecure had a lower AHEI-2010 mean score (mean difference for food insecure vs food secure = −4.8; 95% CI, −7.8 to −1.7; P = .002). After adjusting for covariates, associations remained significant (mean difference = −3.9; 95% CI, −7.5 to −0.4; P = .03). Food insecure ECE providers were less likely to use nutrition labels (22.8% vs 39.1%; P = .046) and more likely to report cost as a perceived barrier to eating fruits and vegetables. Conclusion We found a significant inverse association between food insecurity and the AHEI-2010 diet quality score among ECE providers after adjusting for covariates. More studies are needed to examine the effects of food insecurity on dietary behaviors of ECE providers and their response to nutrition education programs targeting their health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dania Mofleh
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, 1200 Pressler St, Houston, TX 77030.
| | - Nalini Ranjit
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Austin, Texas
| | - Ru-Jye Chuang
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, Texas
| | - Jill N Cox
- Penn State Extension Better Kid Care, State College, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Shreela V Sharma
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, Texas
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Stein R, Russell CE. Educator Perspectives of Early Childhood Mental Health: A Qualitative Study in Colorado. SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12310-021-09454-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Dobson P, Burney R, Hales D, Vaughn A, Tovar A, Østbye T, Ward D. Self-Efficacy for Healthy Eating Moderates the Impact of Stress on Diet Quality Among Family Child Care Home Providers. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2021; 53:309-315. [PMID: 33838763 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2021.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine associations of stress and sleep with diet quality of family child care home (FCCH) providers, and whether self-efficacy for healthy eating influences these associations. DESIGN A cross-sectional analysis was performed using baseline data (2013-2015) from a randomized control trial with FCCH providers. PARTICIPANTS The study included 166 licensed FCCH providers, aged >18 years, from central North Carolina. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Diet quality was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire, used to calculate a modified 2010-Healthy Eating Index score. Stress, sleep quality, and diet self-efficacy were measured via self-administered questionnaires. ANALYSIS Using observations from 158 participants with complete data, multiple linear regression models were created to assess whether stress, sleep quality, and diet self-efficacy were associated with diet quality and whether diet self-efficacy moderated these associations (significance set at P < 0.05). RESULTS In the initial model, only diet self-efficacy was significantly associated with diet quality (β = 0.32; P < 0.001). Moderation analyses showed that higher stress was associated with lower diet quality, but only when diet self-efficacy was low. CONCLUSIONS Building FCCH providers' self-efficacy for healthy eating is an important component of health promotion and can buffer the impact of stress on their diet quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Dobson
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Regan Burney
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Derek Hales
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC; Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Amber Vaughn
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Alison Tovar
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
| | - Truls Østbye
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Dianne Ward
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC; Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC.
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Yoong SL, Jones J, Pearson N, Swindle T, Barnes C, Delaney T, Lum M, Golley R, Matwiejczyk L, Kelly B, Kerr E, Love P, Esdaile E, Ward D, Grady A. An Overview of Research Opportunities to Increase the Impact of Nutrition Intervention Research in Early Childhood and Education Care Settings According to the RE-AIM Framework. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:2745. [PMID: 33800463 PMCID: PMC7967470 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To highlight opportunities for future nutrition intervention research within early childhood and education care (ECEC) settings, with a focus on generating evidence that has applicability to real-world policy and practice. Methods: An overview of opportunities to progress the field was developed by the authors using a collaborative writing approach and informed by recent research in the field. The group developed a list of recommendations aligned with the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. Pairs of authors drafted individual sections of the manuscript, which were then reviewed by a separate pair. The first and senior author consolidated all sections of the manuscript and sought critical input on the draft iterations of the manuscript. Results: Interventions that employ digital platforms (reach) in ECEC settings, as well as research in the family day care setting (effectiveness) were identified as areas of opportunities. Research understanding the determinants of and effective strategies for dissemination (adoption), the implementation of nutrition programs, in addition to de-implementation (implementation) of inappropriate nutrition practices, is warranted. For maintenance, there is a need to better understand sustainability and the sustainment of interventions, in addition to undertaking policy-relevant research. Conclusions: The ECEC setting is prime for innovative and practical nutrition intervention research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sze Lin Yoong
- Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, NSW 2287, Australia; (J.J.); (N.P.); (C.B.); (T.D.); (M.L.); (A.G.)
- School of Health Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Jannah Jones
- Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, NSW 2287, Australia; (J.J.); (N.P.); (C.B.); (T.D.); (M.L.); (A.G.)
- Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Nicole Pearson
- Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, NSW 2287, Australia; (J.J.); (N.P.); (C.B.); (T.D.); (M.L.); (A.G.)
- Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Taren Swindle
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA;
| | - Courtney Barnes
- Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, NSW 2287, Australia; (J.J.); (N.P.); (C.B.); (T.D.); (M.L.); (A.G.)
- Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Tessa Delaney
- Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, NSW 2287, Australia; (J.J.); (N.P.); (C.B.); (T.D.); (M.L.); (A.G.)
- Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Melanie Lum
- Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, NSW 2287, Australia; (J.J.); (N.P.); (C.B.); (T.D.); (M.L.); (A.G.)
- Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Rebecca Golley
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia; (R.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Louisa Matwiejczyk
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia; (R.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Bridget Kelly
- Early Start, School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (B.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Erin Kerr
- Early Start, School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (B.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Penelope Love
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3217, Australia;
| | - Emma Esdaile
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Charles Perkins Centre, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Dianne Ward
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, CA 27516, USA;
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, CA 27514, USA
| | - Alice Grady
- Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, NSW 2287, Australia; (J.J.); (N.P.); (C.B.); (T.D.); (M.L.); (A.G.)
- Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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Swigonski NL, James B, Wynns W, Casavan K. Physical, Mental, and Financial Stress Impacts of COVID-19 on Early Childhood Educators. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION JOURNAL 2021; 49:799-806. [PMID: 34220181 PMCID: PMC8237542 DOI: 10.1007/s10643-021-01223-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nancy L. Swigonski
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 410 W. 10th St, Suite 2000, Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
- Riley Children’s Health, 705 Riley Hospital Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, USA
| | - Brandy James
- Department of Early Childhood Education, Indiana University School of Education, Indianapolis, USA
| | - Whitley Wynns
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 410 W. 10th St, Suite 2000, Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
| | - Kara Casavan
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 410 W. 10th St, Suite 2000, Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
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Bauer KW, Chriqui JF, Andreyeva T, Kenney EL, Stage VC, Dev D, Lessard L, Cotwright CJ, Tovar A. A Safety Net Unraveling: Feeding Young Children During COVID-19. Am J Public Health 2021; 111:116-120. [PMID: 33211589 PMCID: PMC7750580 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2020.305980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of COVID-19 in the United States led most states to close or severely limit the capacity of their early child-care and education (ECE) programs. This loss affected millions of young children, including many of the 4.6 million low-income children who are provided free meals and snacks by their ECE programs through support from the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).Although Congress swiftly authorized waivers that would allow CACFP-participating ECE programs to continue distributing food to children, early evidence suggests that most ECE programs did not have the capacity to do so, leaving a fragmented system of federal, state, and local food programs to fill the gaps created by this loss.Critical steps are needed to repair our nation's fragile ECE system, including greater investment in CACFP, to ensure the nutrition, health, and development of young children during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine W Bauer
- Katherine W. Bauer is with the Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor. Jamie F. Chriqui is with the Division of Health Policy and Administration, School of Public Health, University of Illinois, Chicago. Tatiana Andreyeva is with the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity, University of Connecticut, Hartford. Erica L. Kenney is with the Departments of Nutrition and Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Virginia C. Stage is with the Department of Nutrition Science, College of Allied Health Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC. Dipti Dev is with the Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies, College of Education and Human Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Laura Lessard is with the Department of Behavioral Health & Nutrition, University of Delaware, Newark. Caree J. Cotwright is with the Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens. Alison Tovar is with the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston
| | - Jamie F Chriqui
- Katherine W. Bauer is with the Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor. Jamie F. Chriqui is with the Division of Health Policy and Administration, School of Public Health, University of Illinois, Chicago. Tatiana Andreyeva is with the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity, University of Connecticut, Hartford. Erica L. Kenney is with the Departments of Nutrition and Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Virginia C. Stage is with the Department of Nutrition Science, College of Allied Health Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC. Dipti Dev is with the Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies, College of Education and Human Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Laura Lessard is with the Department of Behavioral Health & Nutrition, University of Delaware, Newark. Caree J. Cotwright is with the Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens. Alison Tovar is with the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston
| | - Tatiana Andreyeva
- Katherine W. Bauer is with the Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor. Jamie F. Chriqui is with the Division of Health Policy and Administration, School of Public Health, University of Illinois, Chicago. Tatiana Andreyeva is with the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity, University of Connecticut, Hartford. Erica L. Kenney is with the Departments of Nutrition and Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Virginia C. Stage is with the Department of Nutrition Science, College of Allied Health Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC. Dipti Dev is with the Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies, College of Education and Human Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Laura Lessard is with the Department of Behavioral Health & Nutrition, University of Delaware, Newark. Caree J. Cotwright is with the Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens. Alison Tovar is with the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston
| | - Erica L Kenney
- Katherine W. Bauer is with the Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor. Jamie F. Chriqui is with the Division of Health Policy and Administration, School of Public Health, University of Illinois, Chicago. Tatiana Andreyeva is with the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity, University of Connecticut, Hartford. Erica L. Kenney is with the Departments of Nutrition and Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Virginia C. Stage is with the Department of Nutrition Science, College of Allied Health Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC. Dipti Dev is with the Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies, College of Education and Human Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Laura Lessard is with the Department of Behavioral Health & Nutrition, University of Delaware, Newark. Caree J. Cotwright is with the Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens. Alison Tovar is with the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston
| | - Virginia C Stage
- Katherine W. Bauer is with the Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor. Jamie F. Chriqui is with the Division of Health Policy and Administration, School of Public Health, University of Illinois, Chicago. Tatiana Andreyeva is with the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity, University of Connecticut, Hartford. Erica L. Kenney is with the Departments of Nutrition and Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Virginia C. Stage is with the Department of Nutrition Science, College of Allied Health Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC. Dipti Dev is with the Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies, College of Education and Human Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Laura Lessard is with the Department of Behavioral Health & Nutrition, University of Delaware, Newark. Caree J. Cotwright is with the Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens. Alison Tovar is with the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston
| | - Dipti Dev
- Katherine W. Bauer is with the Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor. Jamie F. Chriqui is with the Division of Health Policy and Administration, School of Public Health, University of Illinois, Chicago. Tatiana Andreyeva is with the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity, University of Connecticut, Hartford. Erica L. Kenney is with the Departments of Nutrition and Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Virginia C. Stage is with the Department of Nutrition Science, College of Allied Health Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC. Dipti Dev is with the Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies, College of Education and Human Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Laura Lessard is with the Department of Behavioral Health & Nutrition, University of Delaware, Newark. Caree J. Cotwright is with the Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens. Alison Tovar is with the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston
| | - Laura Lessard
- Katherine W. Bauer is with the Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor. Jamie F. Chriqui is with the Division of Health Policy and Administration, School of Public Health, University of Illinois, Chicago. Tatiana Andreyeva is with the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity, University of Connecticut, Hartford. Erica L. Kenney is with the Departments of Nutrition and Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Virginia C. Stage is with the Department of Nutrition Science, College of Allied Health Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC. Dipti Dev is with the Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies, College of Education and Human Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Laura Lessard is with the Department of Behavioral Health & Nutrition, University of Delaware, Newark. Caree J. Cotwright is with the Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens. Alison Tovar is with the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston
| | - Caree J Cotwright
- Katherine W. Bauer is with the Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor. Jamie F. Chriqui is with the Division of Health Policy and Administration, School of Public Health, University of Illinois, Chicago. Tatiana Andreyeva is with the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity, University of Connecticut, Hartford. Erica L. Kenney is with the Departments of Nutrition and Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Virginia C. Stage is with the Department of Nutrition Science, College of Allied Health Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC. Dipti Dev is with the Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies, College of Education and Human Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Laura Lessard is with the Department of Behavioral Health & Nutrition, University of Delaware, Newark. Caree J. Cotwright is with the Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens. Alison Tovar is with the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston
| | - Alison Tovar
- Katherine W. Bauer is with the Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor. Jamie F. Chriqui is with the Division of Health Policy and Administration, School of Public Health, University of Illinois, Chicago. Tatiana Andreyeva is with the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity, University of Connecticut, Hartford. Erica L. Kenney is with the Departments of Nutrition and Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Virginia C. Stage is with the Department of Nutrition Science, College of Allied Health Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC. Dipti Dev is with the Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies, College of Education and Human Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Laura Lessard is with the Department of Behavioral Health & Nutrition, University of Delaware, Newark. Caree J. Cotwright is with the Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens. Alison Tovar is with the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston
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Loh IH, Oddo VM, Otten J. Food Insecurity Is Associated with Depression among a Vulnerable Workforce: Early Care and Education Workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 18:ijerph18010170. [PMID: 33383668 PMCID: PMC7795637 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Objective: We aimed to explore the association between food insecurity and depression among early care and education (ECE) workers, a vulnerable population often working in precarious conditions. Design: We utilized cross-sectional data from a study exploring the effects of wage on ECE centers. Participants were enrolled between August 2017 and December 2018. Food insecurity was measured using the validated six-item U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module and participants were categorized as food secure (score = 0–1), low food security (score = 2–4), and very low food security (score = 5–6). Depression (defined as a score ≥ 16) was measured using the 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-Revised. We employed a logistic regression model to examine the relationship between food insecurity and depression. All models controlled for marital status, nativity, race/ethnicity, number of children in the household, job title, weekly hours of work, education, income, and study site. Setting: Participants were from Seattle (40%) and South King County (26%), Washington, and Austin, Texas (34%). Participants: Participants included 313 ECE workers from 49 ECE centers. Results: A majority of participants were female, non-Hispanic White, born in the U.S., and did not have children. Compared to being food secure, very low and low food insecurities were associated with a 4.95 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.29, 10.67) and 2.69 (95% CI: 1.29, 5.63) higher odds of depression, respectively. Conclusions: Policies and center-level interventions that address both food insecurity and depression may be warranted, in order to protect and improve the health of this valuable, yet vulnerable, segment of the U.S. workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivory H. Loh
- Nutritional Sciences Program, University of Washington School of Public Health, 305 Raitt Hall, P.O. Box 353410, Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Vanessa M. Oddo
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington School of Public Health, 1959 NE Pacific St., P.O. Box 357660, Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois Chicago, 1919 West Taylor St., MC 517, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Jennifer Otten
- Nutritional Sciences Program, University of Washington School of Public Health, 305 Raitt Hall, P.O. Box 353410, Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Public Health, 1959 NE Pacific St., P.O. Box 353410, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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Eastern North Carolina Head Start Teachers' personal and professional experiences with healthy eating and physical activity: a qualitative exploration. Public Health Nutr 2020; 24:3460-3476. [PMID: 33190662 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980020003687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Explore the interrelationship between teachers' personal and professional socio-ecological structures while examining Head Start (HS) teachers' experiences with (1) trying to eat healthy and engage in physical activity (PA) and (2) promote healthy eating and PA in their classrooms. DESIGN In-depth semi-structured interviews were collected from March through June 2017. Researchers designed the data collection and analysis methods using a phenomenological approach. All interviews were recorded using digital audio and transcribed verbatim. SETTING Seven HS centres in two rural eastern North Carolina counties. PARTICIPANTS Teachers (n 15) who had recently participated in a healthy eating and physical activity intervention. Participants were 100 % female, an average age of 43 years (sd 9·6) and primarily Black/African American (93·3 %). RESULTS Eighteen primary themes were identified providing unique insight into individual, social and environmental determinants that may influence teachers' personal health behaviours and professional health promotion practices. Findings indicated that teachers want to improve health behaviours personally (individual/family health) and professionally (children/families served); however, barriers exist at all levels impacting their ability to improve their own health and facilitate positive behaviours among the children/families they serve. Many teachers observed connections between their personal and professional experiences, but not beyond the individual level. CONCLUSIONS Study findings highlight the importance of considering and emphasising the potential relationship between personal and professional determinants of health when working with early childhood teachers. Findings from this study may be useful for informing the development, implementation and evaluation of future health promotion interventions using teachers as implementers.
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Hubel GS, Davies F, Goodrum NM, Schmarder KM, Schnake K, Moreland AD. Adverse childhood experiences among early care and education teachers: Prevalence and associations with observed quality of classroom social and emotional climate. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2020; 111:104877. [PMID: 32921858 PMCID: PMC7480931 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.104877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
This study examines the prevalence of self-reported adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among a sample of 349 early care and education teachers. Seventy-three percent of the sample reported experiencing at least one ACE and 22% reported experiencing 4 or more ACEs. Live observational assessments of the quality of the social and emotional climate in teacher's classrooms were conducted for a subsample of 58 teachers. Within this subsample, reporting a higher number of ACEs was associated with facilitating a lower quality social and emotional classroom climate. Individual ACEs were also examined. Teachers who reported experiencing incarceration of a family member, physical abuse, or emotional abuse were observed to facilitate a lower quality social and emotional classroom climate. This study provides preliminary insight into the prevalence of ACEs among members of the early care and education workforce. Further, it extends previous work examining the multi-generational impacts of ACEs within families by showing that ACEs may influence the care that is provided to children in childcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- G S Hubel
- Department of Psychology, The College of Charleston, Charleston, SC 29424, United States
| | - F Davies
- National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, Medical University of South Carolina, 67 President Street - 2 South, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| | - N M Goodrum
- National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, Medical University of South Carolina, 67 President Street - 2 South, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| | - K M Schmarder
- Department of Psychology, The College of Charleston, Charleston, SC 29424, United States
| | - K Schnake
- SC Program for Infant/Toddler Care, Medical University of South Carolina, 1 Carriage Lane, Unit J, Charleston, SC 29407, United States
| | - A D Moreland
- National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, Medical University of South Carolina, 67 President Street - 2 South, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
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