scholarly journals Obesogenic Assesment of the Primary Schools Environment: A Qualitative Narrative Analysis

Author(s):  
Siti Rohaiza Ahmad ◽  
Robert Bush

AbstractBackgroundWhile multiple influences on children’s food choices and eating habits have been proposed, including genetic, familial and environmental influences, it is increasingly the environments they live in, including schools, that are receiving attention as sites for understanding health-related behaviors.AimTo analyse the infrastructure of Brunei’s primary schools in terms of the level of obesogenicity and how the condition can be improved for the future.MethodsSite of research was five purposely selected primary schools in Brunei Darussalam. In this research, the obesogenic audit tool used were developed from the Primary School Environmental Audit (PSEA) tool.ResultsSimilarities and differences to the nutrition and physical activity environment across the five different schools was found. Consistency was observed across all school sites in the MOE and MOH formal rules and regulations that were applied to the school food-services operations.ConclusionThe use of a modified PSEA audit tool, has successfully enabled the successful identification of the various elements of primary schools in Brunei that may have contributed to an obesogenic environment. The research approach in this study was to not only examine a school’s internal environment but its external environment as well. This ensured a more complete overview of what was in-place, allowing assessment of what could be better improved to make it more conducive to childhood obesity prevention.

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diogo Thimoteo da CUNHA ◽  
Ana Laura Benevenuto de AMORIM ◽  
Fernanda Helena Marrocos LEITE ◽  
Elke STEDEFELDT ◽  
Veridiana Vera de ROSSO ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective We aimed to establish equations for dimensioning of the physical area and determining the required number of food handlers in food services of schools and to compare them with reference equations. Methods It was visited 44 municipalities located in the states of São Paulo (n=36) and Rio de Janeiro (n=8) between 2013 and 2014. The physical area for school food services was evaluated using a measuring tape. For all food services, we calculated the Maximum Attendance Capacity, which is the sum of small and large meals served during the busiest shift. A validated checklist was used to evaluate food safety practices. Linear regression models were developed to establish the proposed equations. Results In total, we evaluated 205 school units. Based on the data, the following equations were established: Equation A: area of production=15.22+(maximum attendance capacity×0.02), which estimates the minimum area needed for a school food service; and Equation B: the number of food handlers=2.17+(maximum attendance capacity×0.002), to determine the minimum number of food handlers needed. These equations were established based on school food services that presented adequate food safety practices (i.e., low health risk). Conclusion It was established new equations for calculating the size of the physical area for school food services and the required number of food handlers. These new equations can be used as a starting point in management planning of a school food service.


1996 ◽  
Vol 96 (9) ◽  
pp. A49
Author(s):  
E.L. Shanley ◽  
D. Santoro ◽  
K. Zartun ◽  
S.S. Fiore

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gozde Aydin ◽  
Claire Margerison ◽  
Anthony Worsley ◽  
Alison Booth

Abstract Background Primary schools have long been identified as appropriate settings for improving the healthy eating behaviours of children and helping them develop food skills. This qualitative study explored the views of Australian primary school parents and teachers about schools’ strengths and weaknesses in promoting healthy eating and equipping children with food skills. Methods Nineteen parents and 17 teachers from Victoria participated in semi-structured interviews. Audio recordings were transcribed and underwent thematic analysis using Nvivo. Results This study demonstrated that parents and teachers believed that several facilitators helped promote children’s healthy eating. These included food and nutrition education (FNE) programs, the community-based nature of schools, and teacher role modelling and the authority schools possess over children. Time scarcity, lack of teacher expertise, lack of leadership and funding were reported as barriers. School food environments such as canteens, lunch orders, fundraising events and school fairs were identified as both weaknesses and strengths by parents and teachers, which indicated inconsistent implementation of school nutrition policies across schools. Conclusions Australian primary schools demonstrate some useful efforts to promote healthy eating among children. However, there are numerous facilitators and barriers which impact on the promotion of healthy eating. These factors need to be addressed in order to develop healthy eating habits further among elementary students. These results provide directions for policymakers and school managers, as they point to the areas that need to be improved to assist the design of schools that better promote healthy eating among children.


2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 334-340
Author(s):  
M. Fontcuberta-Famadas ◽  
G. Serral ◽  
M.J. López ◽  
P. Balfagón ◽  
E. García-Cid ◽  
...  

2012 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 321-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Conner ◽  
Benjamin King ◽  
Jane Kolodinsky ◽  
Erin Roche ◽  
Christopher Koliba ◽  
...  

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 343-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kênia Machado de Almeida ◽  
Maria Cláudia Porfirio André ◽  
Maria Raquel Hidalgo Campos ◽  
Mário Ernesto Piscoya Díaz

OBJECTIVE: To verify the physical, functional, hygienic, and sanitary conditions of the food services of municipal schools located in the Brazilian Midwest region. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of 296 school food services conducted from February to June 2012. The food services were assessed by a semi-structured check list divided into the following sections: physical conditions, available equipment, food handlers' conduct, and food service cleaning processes and procedures. The study variables were classified as compliant or noncompliant with the regulations passed by the National Sanitary Surveillance Agency. RESULTS: Noncompliances were found in all study food services, especially with respect to food service conditions, and the wiring and plumbing in the food preparation area. In this section, 62.7 to 95.9% of the food services did not comply with nine out of the thirteen study items. The main problems were: poorly cleaned external areas, deteriorated walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, drains, and roof gutters; and unscreened doors and windows, allowing the entrance of insects; among others. The main noncompliance regarding processes and procedures was the uncontrolled temperature of the ready-to-eat foods. CONCLUSION: The conditions of the study food services are unsatisfactory for the production of safe meals, possibly compromising meal quality, food safety, and the effectiveness of the School Food Program.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document