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Tran G, Kerr E, Kelly B, Ryan ST, Norman J, Hammersley M, Vuong C, Wardle K, Okely A. Nutrition and physical activity practices in family day care: A cross-sectional survey of Australian family day care educators. Health Promot J Austr 2024. [PMID: 39155613 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED Munch & Move is a New South Wales (NSW) Ministry of Health program offering family day care (FDC) educators training to support children's healthy behaviours. This study examined educators' nutrition, physical activity and screen time practices and relationships between Munch & Move training and professional development (PD) on these practices. METHODS NSW FDC educators (n = 186) completed an online survey from July 2020-June 2021. Differences between groups based on Munch & Move training (trained; not trained) and PD (those who completed PD ≥1 time per year; those who completed PD <1 time per year or never) were tested using bivariate analyses. RESULTS A significantly higher proportion of educators trained in Munch & Move offered information to families regarding food serving sizes, nutrition policies, and children's physical activity and screen time. Over one-third in both groups did not meet the guideline of no screen time for children under 2 years old. Compared with those who completed PD ≥1 time per year, a significantly higher proportion of educators who completed PD <1 time per year or never did not provide families with nutrition guidelines or resources. CONCLUSIONS Educators trained in Munch & Move, and those who completed PD more frequently, demonstrated better nutrition, physical activity and screen time practices in several areas. SO WHAT?: This study demonstrated benefits of the Munch & Move program, implemented with support from Local Health District health promotion officers, and highlighted key areas for improvement in healthy practices in FDC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgie Tran
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Erin Kerr
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
- Health Promotion Service, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Bridget Kelly
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Sarah T Ryan
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Jennifer Norman
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
- Health Promotion Service, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Warrawong, Australia
| | - Megan Hammersley
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Cecilia Vuong
- Health Promotion Service, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, Australia
| | - Karen Wardle
- Health Promotion Service, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, Australia
| | - Anthony Okely
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
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Lum M, Grady A, Wolfenden L, Lecathelinais C, Lin Yoong S. Implementation of healthy eating and physical activity practices in Australian early childhood education and care services: A cross-sectional study. Prev Med Rep 2023; 36:102455. [PMID: 37840588 PMCID: PMC10571023 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The monitoring of healthy eating and physical activity environments is recommended to support population health. Early childhood education and care (ECEC) services are a key setting to deliver obesity prevention strategies as they reach the majority of children aged under five years and have existing supporting infrastructure. Objectives The aim of this study was to i) describe the prevalence of implementation of evidence-based healthy eating and physical activity practices in an Australian sample of ECEC services, and ii) examine associations between implementation of practices and service characteristics. Methods A random sample of 2,100 centre-based ECEC services across Australia were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey online or via telephone (August 2021-April 2022). Service characteristics and implementation of 18 evidence-based healthy eating and physical activity practices were assessed. Descriptive statistics and linear mixed regression analyses were performed. Results A total of 1,028 (51.8%) eligible services participated. The healthy eating and physical activity practices with the lowest prevalence of implementation were related to encouraging children to consume age-appropriate beverages (17.9%) and providing families with child physical activity education via workshops or meetings (14.6%), respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the implementation of healthy eating practices by service characteristics, with long day care services implementing significantly more practices than preschools (p < 0.01). Conclusion There is room to improve the implementation of evidence-based healthy eating and physical activity practices ECEC services. Implementation efforts should be directed towards preschools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Lum
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Geelong VIC 3220 Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308 Australia
- Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Locked Bag 10, Wallsend NSW 2287 Australia
- National Centre of Implementation Science, University of Newcastle, Locked Bag 10, Wallsend NSW 2287 Australia
| | - Alice Grady
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308 Australia
- Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Locked Bag 10, Wallsend NSW 2287 Australia
- National Centre of Implementation Science, University of Newcastle, Locked Bag 10, Wallsend NSW 2287 Australia
| | - Luke Wolfenden
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308 Australia
- Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Locked Bag 10, Wallsend NSW 2287 Australia
- National Centre of Implementation Science, University of Newcastle, Locked Bag 10, Wallsend NSW 2287 Australia
| | - Christophe Lecathelinais
- Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Locked Bag 10, Wallsend NSW 2287 Australia
| | - Sze Lin Yoong
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Geelong VIC 3220 Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308 Australia
- Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Locked Bag 10, Wallsend NSW 2287 Australia
- National Centre of Implementation Science, University of Newcastle, Locked Bag 10, Wallsend NSW 2287 Australia
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Kerr EM, Hewitt L, Ryan ST, Norman J, Kelly B, Hammersley ML, Lum M, Okely AD. Correlates of children's dietary intake, physical activity and sedentary behavior in home-based childcare: A systematic review. Prev Med Rep 2022; 30:101999. [PMID: 36237835 PMCID: PMC9551212 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.101999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This systematic review assessed the correlates of children's dietary intake, physical activity and sedentary behavior in home-based childcare. A systematic search of five databases with articles published between January 2000 and July 2021 was conducted. Articles were included if they contained data from a home-based childcare (birth-5 years) setting; were a quantitative study that reported children's dietary intake, physical activity or sedentary behavior; included variables associated with children's dietary intake, physical activity or sedentary behavior; and were published in English. Correlates were categorized using McLeroy’s social ecological framework. Risk of bias was assessed using the Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) Risk of Bias Rating Tool. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria; six assessed children's dietary intake, and nine assessed physical activity and/or sedentary behaviors. Studies were conducted in the USA (n = 12) and Canada (n = 3). Seventy-three correlates were identified, for children's dietary intake (n = 11), physical activity (n = 35) and sedentary behavior (n = 27). Ethnicity and the food provided to children were associated with children's dietary intake in two studies; both from the same study sample. Indoor play space was positively associated with physical activity in two separate studies. No consistent associations for children's dietary intake, physical activity, or sedentary behavior outcomes were found between studies, however few studies assessed the same correlates. High-quality studies conducted in different countries that assess the nutrition and physical activity environments in home-based childcare using reliable and consistent methods are needed. This review was registered with PROSPERO, no. CRD42019103429.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M. Kerr
- Early Start, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Corresponding author.
| | - Lyndel Hewitt
- Illawarra Health Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong Hospital, New South Wales 2500, Australia
| | - Sarah T. Ryan
- Early Start, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Jennifer Norman
- Early Start, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Health Promotion Service, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Bridget Kelly
- Early Start, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Megan L. Hammersley
- Early Start, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Melanie Lum
- Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, New South Wales 2287, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales 2300, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Anthony D. Okely
- Early Start, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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Wang X, Wu L, Liu Q, Wu Y. Dietary Environment in Early Care and Education Settings and Young Children's Eating Behavior: A Systematic Review of Literature. Am J Health Behav 2022; 46:541-557. [PMID: 36333831 DOI: 10.5993/ajhb.46.5.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES An increasing number of young children spend time and eat at least one meal per day in childcare programs, highlighting the significance of early care and education (ECE) settings in promoting children's healthy dietary behaviors. The purpose of this review was to summarize quantitative studies on the relationship between the dietary environment in ECE settings and the eating behaviors of children aged 0-6 years. METHODS We consulted Web of Science, PsycInfo, ProQuest, and Emerald electronic databases, searching for empirical studies from 2000 to 2022. RESULTS Ultimately, we included 38 studies. Measures of the dietary environment varied considerably across studies. Following healthy diet regulations and nutrition-related activities were positively correlated with children's intake of healthy foods. Strategies such as serving fruits and vegetables in advance, serving small portion sizes, and providing children a variety of vegetables increased children's intake of healthy foods. Results on caregivers' feeding practices remained mixed. CONCLUSIONS These findings reveal the necessity and importance of paying attention to different aspects of the dietary environment and to take a comprehensive approach to understanding the role that environment plays in cultivating children's dietary behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinghua Wang
- Institute of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Lili Wu
- Institute of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Institute of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Department of Sociology, School of Humanities, Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics, Nanchang China
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Abstract
Objective: Feeding practices used by educators in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) settings can influence the diet quality of young children. However, Australian data is scarce and limited to describing barriers to responsive feeding. This study describes the use of feeding practices amongst a group of Australian educators. Design: Direct observation of feeding practices and assessment of centre policy were conducted using the ‘Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation’ tool. Self-reported feeding practices and demographic data were collected via online survey using the Childcare Food and Activity Practices Questionnaire. Setting: Ten centre-based ECEC services in South East Queensland, Australia. Participants: Educators working in ECEC. Results: A total of 120 meals were observed and 88 educators provided self-report data (n 84 female). Centre policy supported the use of responsive feeding practices, and this was reflected in the high frequency with which children could decide what and how much to eat, across both observed and self-report data as well as low levels of pressure to eat and use of food as a reward (observed at 19·9 % and 0 % of meals). The only apparent discrepancy was regarding modelling. Median score for self-reported role-modelling was 5·0 (4·3–5·0) and educators were observed to sit with children at 75 % of meals, however observed occasions of enthusiastic role modelling was only 22 % (0–33·3) of meals. Conclusions: Research addressing how educators conceptualise feeding practices, as well under what circumstances they are used, particularly in centres with different models of food provision, may shed light on why modelling is rarely implemented in practice.
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