Schermbeck RM, Lin YC, Leider J, Simon J, Chriqui J. Change in Nutrition and Physical Activity Practices in Early Childcare and Education Settings in Illinois During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2024;
30:540-549. [PMID:
38833668 DOI:
10.1097/phh.0000000000001921]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT
For many young children, early childcare and education (ECE) programs are the only source of nutritious meals and physical activity (PA); however, the COVID-19 pandemic led to program closures, restrictions, and changed practices.
OBJECTIVE
To examine changes in nutrition and PA-related best practices in ECE settings in Illinois from 2019, just prior to the pandemic, as compared to 2022. We also examined how changes over time varied by program type (ie, centers vs homes), Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) status, and/or Head Start/Early Head Start status.
DESIGN
The study design is a repeated cross-sectional survey administered in December 2019 and October 2022.
SETTING
State of Illinois.
PARTICIPANTS
A total of 888 and 1162 ECE providers completed initial and follow-up surveys, respectively.
INTERVENTION
NA.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE
Provider report of meeting 14 nutrition and 9 PA-related best practices.
RESULTS
Overall, 9 nutrition-related best practices were maintained and 5 declined over time. Centers, CACFP, and Head Start providers reported significant declines in meeting nutrition-related practices over time. A total of 8 PA-related best practices were maintained and 1 declined over time. Centers reported a significant decline in 5 of the PA-related best practices over time, and these declines were significantly different than in homes over time. Similarly, Head Start programs reported a decline in 4 PA-related best practices over time, and the change was significantly different from non-Head Start programs in 3 of the 4 practices.
CONCLUSION
The findings of this study should be considered a new baseline for ECE nutrition and PA-related best practices in Illinois and should serve as a wake-up call for advocates nationwide with regard to the provision of nutrition and PA-related best practices in centers and by CACFP and Head Start providers postpandemic.
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