School Food Environment and Adolescent Obesity
Author Information
Author(s): Nicole L Nollen, Christie A Befort, Patricia Snow, Christine Makosky Daley, Edward F Ellerbeck, Jasjit S Ahluwalia
Primary Institution: University of Kansas Medical Center
Hypothesis
What are high school personnel's perceptions of the school environment and its impact on obesity?
Conclusion
Discrepancies exist between government/public health officials and school personnel that may inhibit collaborative efforts to address obesity through modifications to the school environment.
Supporting Evidence
- 90% of schools offer an à la carte lunch program.
- Over 80% of high school students have access to vending machines.
- Schools have been unfairly targeted as the cause of obesity.
Takeaway
This study talks to school leaders about how they see food and health in schools. They think schools are not the main cause of obesity and that changes should start earlier in kids' lives.
Methodology
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with principals and food service managers at 8 schools.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reporting from school personnel regarding their perceptions of obesity.
Limitations
The study may not generalize to all schools as it focused on a specific group of high school personnel.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 8 principals and 7 food service managers from 4 rural and 4 suburban high schools.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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