Using the School Health Index to Create Healthy School Environments
Author Information
Author(s): Deborah N Pearlman, Elizabeth Dowling, Cheryl Bayuk, Kathleen Cullinen, Thacher Ann Kelsey
Primary Institution: Rhode Island Department of Health
Hypothesis
What is the difference between the physical activity and nutrition environments in Rhode Island's public elementary schools with high minority student enrollment and schools with low minority student enrollment?
Conclusion
The study found that schools with high minority enrollment had fewer programs supporting healthy eating and physical activity.
Supporting Evidence
- Schools with high minority enrollment offered fewer programs supporting healthy eating and physical activity.
- Only 10% of all schools reported having written policies on nutrition or physical activity.
- All schools developed at least one policy or environmental strategy to create a healthy school environment.
Takeaway
This study looked at how schools can be healthier places for kids by using a special tool to check on their food and exercise programs.
Methodology
The study involved a needs assessment of 102 elementary schools and an intervention in four schools, using surveys and evaluations to assess nutrition and physical activity environments.
Potential Biases
The study faced challenges such as low staff morale, budget constraints, and inconsistent administrator support.
Limitations
The study's definition of a high minority school may not be applicable to other states, and the intervention was limited to four schools.
Participant Demographics
The schools included a mix of grades prekindergarten through 6, with student enrollments ranging from 118 to 547 and Hispanic students comprising 26% to 65% of the student body.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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