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Askwith Z, Grignon J, Ismail M, Martin G, McEachern LW, Seabrook JA, Gilliland JA. Environmental influences on E-cigarette use among young people: A systematic review. Health Place 2024; 87:103212. [PMID: 38493658 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2024.103212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
E-cigarettes are a popular mode of delivery for nicotine, tobacco and cannabis. The prevalence of vaping among youth is increasing and this review aims to identify features of the neighbourhood environment, e.g., retailers, advertisements, and policies, that are associated with youth vaping. We included 48 studies. Of these, approximately 40% and 60% reported that presence of e-cigarette retailers, and advertisements, was associated with statistically higher odds of e-cigarette use in youth, respectively. Approximately 30% of studies reported that policies affecting e-cigarette availability were associated with statistically lower odds of vaping. Identifying these influential features of the neighbourhood environment will help formulate appropriate policies to reduce e-cigarette use among youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Askwith
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, Canada
| | - Josh Grignon
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, Canada
| | - Mariam Ismail
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, Canada
| | - Gina Martin
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, Canada; Faculty of Health Disciplines, Athabasca University, Canada
| | - Louise W McEachern
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jamie A Seabrook
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Brescia University College, Canada; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Western University, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason A Gilliland
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Western University, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.
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Schaafsma HN, Jantzi HA, Seabrook JA, McEachern LW, Burke SM, Irwin JD, Gilliland JA. The impact of smartphone app-based interventions on adolescents' dietary intake: a systematic review and evaluation of equity factor reporting in intervention studies. Nutr Rev 2024; 82:467-486. [PMID: 37330675 PMCID: PMC10925905 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuad058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Adolescence is a critical stage for improving nutrition. The popularity of smartphones makes them an ideal platform for administering interventions to adolescents. A systematic review has yet to assess the impact of smartphone app-based interventions exclusively on adolescents' dietary intake. Furthermore, despite the impact of equity factors on dietary intake and the claim for mobile health of increased accessibility, there is minimal research on the reporting of equity factors in the evaluation of smartphone app-based nutrition-intervention research. OBJECTIVES This systematic review examines the effectiveness of smartphone app-based interventions on adolescents' dietary intake and the frequency with which equity factors and statistical analyses specific to equity factors are reported in these intervention studies. DATA SOURCES Databases (ie, Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ERIC, and Cochrane Central Register for Randomized Control Trials) were searched for studies published from January 2008 to October 2022. Smartphone app-based intervention studies that were nutrition focused, evaluated at least 1 dietary intake variable, and included participants with a mean age between 10 and 19 years were included. All geographic locations were included. DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS Study characteristics, intervention results, and reported equity factors were extracted. Because of the heterogeneity of dietary outcomes, findings were reported as a narrative synthesis. CONCLUSION In total, 3087 studies were retrieved, 14 of which met the inclusion criteria. Eleven studies reported a statistically significant improvement in at least 1 dietary outcome because of the intervention. Reporting of at least 1 equity factor across articles' Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion sections was minimal (n = 5), and statistical analyses specific to equity factors were rare, occurring in only 4 of the 14 included studies. Future interventions should include a measurement of intervention adherence and report the impact of equity factors on the effectiveness and applicability of interventions for equity-deserving groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly N Schaafsma
- Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Children’s Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Heather A Jantzi
- Children’s Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Geography, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jamie A Seabrook
- Children’s Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Brescia University College at Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Louise W McEachern
- Children’s Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Geography, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shauna M Burke
- Children’s Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- School of Health Studies, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer D Irwin
- School of Health Studies, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason A Gilliland
- Children’s Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Geography, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- School of Health Studies, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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Caruso OT, McEachern LW, Minaker LM, Gilliland JA. The Influence of the School Neighborhood Food Retail Environment on Unhealthy Food Purchasing Behaviors Among Adolescents: A Systematic Review. J Nutr Educ Behav 2024; 56:145-161. [PMID: 38284954 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2023.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adolescents are often exposed to food retailers selling unhealthy food items during their lunch breaks and school commutes. This systematic review examines the influence of school neighborhood food retail environments on adolescent food purchasing. METHODS A systematic search of 6 databases. Observational studies published from January 2012 to December 2022 that measured food availability, accessibility, or exposure, measured food purchasing, and focused on adolescents (aged 10-19 years) were eligible for inclusion. RESULTS Twelve studies with 97 findings were included. Thirty-one findings indicated that a school neighborhood with a high density of unhealthy food retail, a school with unhealthy food retail nearby, or exposure to unhealthy food retail on the journey to/from school was associated with higher prevalence and frequency of unhealthy food purchases. DISCUSSION Adolescents' food purchasing behaviors may be meaningfully affected by their school neighborhood food retail environment; however, the included studies have many methodological shortcomings. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH AND PRACTICE Results identify the need for new studies that measure food purchasing, use comprehensive definitions of food retail environments, and adopt more rigorous methods to approximate exposure to food retail. More robust evidence would strengthen the rationale for policy or program interventions and potentially indicate specific targets for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia T Caruso
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Louise W McEachern
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leia M Minaker
- School of Planning, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason A Gilliland
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; School of Health Studies, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.
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Caruso OT, Schaafsma HN, McEachern LW, Gilliland JA. The campus food environment and postsecondary student diet: a systematic review. J Am Coll Health 2023:1-25. [PMID: 37437204 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2023.2227725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Examine the impact of the campus food environment on postsecondary students' dietary behaviors (e.g., dietary intake) and food purchasing. Participants: Students currently attending a postsecondary institution, all ages and geographic locations included. Methods: A systematic search from January 2000-October 2022 was conducted in six databases using postsecondary education, food environment, and diet related keywords. Results: In total, 25 quantitative and 10 qualitative studies were extracted. All quantitative studies that conducted statistical analyses (n = 15) reported a statistically significant relationship between the campus food environment and dietary intake, including both positive and negative effects. All qualitative studies (n = 10) discussed students' experience of the campus food environment influencing their diet. Conclusions: This review found moderate evidence that the campus food environment has an impact on postsecondary students' dietary behaviors. A campus environment that has healthy foods accessible, affordable, and acceptable for postsecondary students may have a beneficial impact on students' dietary intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia T Caruso
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Geography, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Holly N Schaafsma
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Louise W McEachern
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Geography, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason A Gilliland
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Geography, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- School of Health Studies, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
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McEachern LW, Harris S, Valaitis R, Watson A, Yessis J, Zupko B, Hanning RM. Learning Circles: A Collaborative Approach to Enhance Local, Healthy and Traditional Foods for Youth in the Northerly Community of Hazelton/Upper Skeena, British Columbia, Canada. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:15878. [PMID: 36497954 PMCID: PMC9737344 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Youth health, long-term food sovereignty and the reclamation of traditional food-related knowledge are areas of concern within Indigenous communities in Canada. Learning Circles: Local Healthy Food to School (LC:LHF2S) built on an exemplar program in four predominantly Indigenous communities. In each, the initiative worked with interested community members to plan, implement and evaluate a range of activities aimed at enhancing access to local, healthy and traditional foods for schools and youth. This case study describes the context, process, outcomes and perceptions of implementation in one of the communities, Hazelton/Upper Skeena, located in northern British Columbia. Data were collected between 2016-2019 and included semi-directed interviews with community members and LCEF (n = 18), process reporting (e.g., LCEF reports, emails, conference calls and tracking data), photographs and video footage, and photovoice. Data were analyzed thematically. Hazelton/Upper Skeena has an active local and traditional food culture. Indigenous governance was supportive, and community members focused on partnership and leadership development, gardens, and food skills work. Findings point to strengths; traditional food, knowledge and practices are valued by youth and were prioritized. LC:LHF2S is a flexible initiative that aims to engage the broader community, and exemplifies some of the best practices recommended for community-based initiatives within Indigenous communities. Results indicate that a LC is a feasible venture in this community; one that can facilitate partnership-building and contribute to increased access to local and traditional food among school-aged youth. Recommendations based on community input may help the uptake of the model in similar communities across Canada, and globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise W. McEachern
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Sandra Harris
- Gitxsan Government Commission, Hazelton, BC V0J 2A0, Canada
| | - Renata Valaitis
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Anissa Watson
- Storytellers Foundation, Hazelton, BC V0J 2A0, Canada
| | - Jennifer Yessis
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Barbara Zupko
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Rhona M. Hanning
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
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McEachern LW, Ismail MR, Seabrook JA, Gilliland JA. Fruit and Vegetable Intake Is Associated with Food Knowledge among Children Aged 9–14 Years in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Children 2022; 9:children9101456. [PMID: 36291393 PMCID: PMC9600281 DOI: 10.3390/children9101456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Interventions to improve dietary quality and intake of fruits and vegetables (FV) among Canadian children have had modest success, and it has been suggested that food knowledge could be key to improvement. Programs have been criticized for insufficiently connecting food knowledge with food skills and decision making about dietary intake. The objective of this study was to investigate factors associated with FV consumption by elementary school children, aged 9–14 years, in Ontario, Canada, including food knowledge, socioeconomic status, sociodemographic characteristics, and the food environment. In 2017–2019, a cross-sectional survey was administered to 2443 students at 60 elementary schools across Southwestern Ontario (SWO), Canada. A parent survey was used to validate self-reported sociodemographic variables. The mean intake of FV reported by these participants was 2.6 (SD 1.1) and 2.4 (SD 1.2) servings/day, respectively. A FV intake below WHO guidelines was reported by 40.7% of respondents. Knowledge score, child age, and parent employment status significantly predicted higher reported intake of FV. This study shows that FV intake among this population group is low, and increased intake is associated with higher food knowledge. To encourage healthy eating, school-based food and nutrition programs that incorporate multiple components and emphasize food literacy are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise W. McEachern
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
| | - Mariam R. Ismail
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Jamie A. Seabrook
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Brescia University College, London, ON N6G 1H2, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, School of Health Studies, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Children’s Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada
| | - Jason A. Gilliland
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, School of Health Studies, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Children’s Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2V5, Canada
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Valaitis R, McEachern LW, Harris SA, Dick T, Yovanovich J, Yessis J, Zupko B, Corbett KK, Hanning RM. Annual Gatherings as an Integrated Knowledge Translation Strategy to Support Local and Traditional Food Systems Within and Across Indigenous Community Contexts: A Qualitative Study. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2022; 47:1051-1061. [PMID: 35994757 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2021-0780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Integrated knowledge translation (IKT) and community-based participatory research are recognized as effective approaches when Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners work together to focus on a common goal. The 'Learning Circles: Local Healthy Food to School' (LC:LHF2S) study supported the development and implementation of Learning Circles (LC) in four Canadian Indigenous communities with the goal of improving local, community-based healthy foods systems. Critical to the research process were Annual Gatherings (AG) where diverse stakeholders (researchers, Indigenous community members and partners) visited each community to share knowledge, experiences, and provide support in the research process. Using a qualitative, descriptive method, this paper explores how the AG supported IKT across partners. Yearly interviews involving 19 total participants (with some participating multiple times across the four gatherings) elicited their AG experiences in supporting local LC:LHF2S. Three themes with multiple sub-themes were identified: a) setting the stage for IKT (importance of in-person gatherings for building relationships across partners, learning from each other), b) enabling meaningful engagement (aligning research with Indigenous values, addressing tensions and building trust over time, ensuring flexibility, and Indigenous involvement and leadership), and c) supporting food system action at the local level (building local community engagement and understanding, and integrating support for implementation and scale up of LC). This paper provides useful and practical examples of the principles of Indigenous-engaged IKT and CBPR in action in healthy, local and traditional food initiatives. AG are a valuable IKT strategy to contribute to positive, transformative change and ethical research practice within Indigenous communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Valaitis
- University of Waterloo Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada;
| | - Louise W McEachern
- University of Western Ontario, Department of Geography and Environment, London, Ontario, Canada.,University of Waterloo, School of Public Health Sciences, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada;
| | | | - Tania Dick
- University of British Columbia, School of Nursing, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada;
| | | | | | | | - Kitty K Corbett
- University of Waterloo, School of Public Health Sciences, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada;
| | - Rhona M Hanning
- University of Waterloo, School of Public Health and Health Systems, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada;
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McEachern LW, Yessis J, Yovanovich J, Crack S, Zupko B, Valaitis R, Hanning RM. Implementation of the Learning Circle: Local Food to School Initiative in the Island Communities of Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada-a Descriptive Case Study. Curr Dev Nutr 2022; 6:nzac090. [PMID: 36628170 PMCID: PMC9817256 DOI: 10.1093/cdn/nzac090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Indigenous communities in Canada are concerned about long-term food sovereignty and the reclamation of traditional food-related skills among their people. Learning Circles: Local Food to School (LF2S) was an innovative community-based project that worked to promote multisectoral partnerships, focused on food. Guided by a facilitator, the Learning Circle (LC) brought together interested community members to plan and implement activities aimed at enhancing access to local, healthy, and traditional foods for school communities. Objectives The article describes the context, process, and food-related outcomes of the LC in Haida Gwaii (HG), British Columbia, Canada and evaluates perceptions of the transition in local food systems, food literacy, and community capacity associated with the LC. Methods The sources that were gathered between 2016 and 2018 included annual semidirected interviews with community members and the Learning Circle Coordinator (LCC) (n = 24), process reporting (e.g., reports, conference calls, food sourcing and tracking data) (n = 62 documents), and photographs (n = 75). Data were analyzed thematically. Results HG has a rich food environment and a vibrant local and traditional food culture. A variety of local food-related activities had been taking place before the launch of the LC in 2013, and by 2016 the initiative was firmly established. Between 2016 and 2019, activities in HG focused on schools (e.g., sourcing local, healthy food and developing traditional skills through schools) and pioneering local food pantries. Participants valued increased access to local and traditional foods and opportunities to build youth knowledge and skills. Noted successes of the LC process included transitioning to Haida leadership and fostering relationships. Conclusions The inherent flexibility of the LC model means that communities can prioritize activities of interest. The evolution of the LC model in HG is an inspiration for other communities working to enhance food sovereignty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise W McEachern
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo,
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Yessis
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo,
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Shelly Crack
- Northern Health, Masset, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Barbara Zupko
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo,
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Renata Valaitis
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo,
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rhona M Hanning
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo,
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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McEachern LW, Yessis J, Zupko B, Yovanovich J, Valaitis R, Hanning R. "Learning Circles: An Adaptive Strategy to Support Food Sovereignty Among First Nations Communities in Canada". Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2022; 47:813-825. [PMID: 35443141 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2021-0776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Indigenous communities in Canada are concerned about the health of their youth and the reclamation of traditional food-related skills among their people. Food sovereignty has an integral role in food and nutrition security, and the path to Indigenous self-determination. Learning Circles: Local Healthy Food to School was a community engagement model that aimed to enhance access to local, healthy and traditional foods for youth. In each of four First Nations communities, a Learning Circle Evaluation Facilitator worked to plan and implement activities, build on community strengths and promote partnerships. This paper describes how the model was perceived to support food sovereignty. Data included interviews, process reporting and school surveys, and was analysed according to pillars effective for the development of food sovereignty in Indigenous communities. Goals set by two communities incorporated food sovereignty principles, and in each community capacity-building work furthered the development of a more autonomous food system. There were many examples of a transition to greater food sovereignty, local food production and consumption. Indigenous governance was an important theme and was influential in a community's success. The model appears to be an adaptable strategy to support the development of food sovereignty in First Nations communities. Novelty: LC:LHF2S was a community engagement model that aimed to enhance access to local, healthy and traditional foods for youth. The model is an adaptable strategy to support the development of food sovereignty in First Nations communities. There were many examples of a transition to greater food sovereignty, local food production and consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Barbara Zupko
- University of Waterloo, 8430, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada;
| | | | - Renata Valaitis
- University of Waterloo Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, 153482, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L3G1;
| | - Rhona Hanning
- University of Waterloo, School of Public Health Sciences, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada;
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