scholarly journals Caregiver Perceptions of Environmental Facilitators and Barriers to Healthy Eating and Active Living during the Summer: Results from the Project SWEAT Sub-Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11396
Author(s):  
Laura C. Hopkins ◽  
Amy R. Sharn ◽  
Daniel Remley ◽  
Heather Schier ◽  
Regan Olak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Black Population ◽  
Racial Minority ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
Active Living ◽  
Facilitators And Barriers ◽  
Abandoned Properties ◽  
Neighborhood Level

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine caregiver perceptions of summertime neighborhood-level environmental barriers and facilitators to healthy eating and active living in their elementary-age racial minority children. Methods: Caregivers with students in the prekindergarten–fifth grade were recruited from two schools located in low-income urban neighborhoods of Columbus, OH, with a predominantly Black population. Participants engaged in the research portion of the Healthy Eating Active Living: Mapping Attribute using Participatory Photographic Surveys (HEALth MAPPSTM) protocol, which included (1) orientation; (2) photographing and geotagging facilitators and barriers to HEALth on daily routes; (3) in-depth interview (IDI) discussing images and routes taken; (4) focus groups (FG). IDIs and FGs were transcribed verbatim. Analyses were guided by grounded theory and interpretive phenomenology and were coded by researchers (n = 3), who used comparative analysis to develop a codebook and determine major themes. Results: A total of 10 caregivers enrolled and 9 completed the IDIs. Five caregivers participated in focus groups. A majority (77.8%, n = 7) of caregivers identified as Black, female (88.9%, n = 8), and low income (55.6%, n = 5). IDI and FG themes included (1) walkway infrastructure crucial for healthy eating and active living; (2) scarce accessibility to healthy, affordable foods; (3) multiple abandoned properties; (4) unsafe activity near common neighborhood routes. Conclusions: Caregivers perceived multiple neighborhood-level barriers to healthy eating and activity during the summer months when school is closed. Findings from this study provide initial insights into environmental determinants of unhealthy summer weight gain in a sample of predominantly racial minority school-age children from low-income households.

scholarly journals Caregiver Perceptions of Environmental Facilitators and Barriers to Healthy Eating and Active Living During Summer: Findings from the Project SWEAT Study (P04-143-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Sharn ◽  
Laura Hopkins ◽  
Dan Remley ◽  
Carolyn Gunther
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Active Living ◽  
School Site ◽  
Environmental Barriers ◽  
Facilitators And Barriers ◽  
Neighborhood Level

Abstract Objectives To determine caregiver perceptions of neighborhood-level environmental barriers and facilitators to healthy eating and active living (HEAL) among children living in low-income, urban neighborhoods during the summer. Methods The current study was a part of a prospective observational study - Project SWEAT - which investigated determinants of unhealthy weight gain during the summer months in economically disadvantaged school-age children. Caregivers with students in grades preK–5th attending 2 Columbus, OH elementary schools were recruited. Participants completed a demographic survey. To explore neighborhood-level environmental barriers and facilitators to HEAL, participants engaged in a modified HEAL MAPPS (Healthy Eating Active Living Mapping Attributes using Participatory Photographic Surveys) protocol, which included 5 phases: 1) orientation; 2) photographing and geotagging facilitators and barriers to HEAL on daily routes using a Garmin Oregon 650 device; 3) in-depth interview (IDI) discussing images and routes taken; 4) focus group per school site; and 5) culminating local community stakeholder meeting. Results Ten families enrolled; 9 families completed photographing, geotagging and IDIs; 5 families participated in focus groups. A majority (77.8%, n = 7) of caregivers were African-American, female (88.9%, n = 8), and low-income (55.6%, n = 5). Preliminary analyses of photograph and IDI themes include: 1) walkway infrastructure crucial for healthy eating and active living; 2) scarce accessibility to healthy, affordable foods; 3) multiple abandoned properties; and 4) unsafe activity near common neighborhood routes. Conclusions Results from this pilot indicate caregivers perceive both environmental barriers and facilitators to healthy eating and active living during the summer. Additional research should be conducted to confirm findings from this study and compare findings to different settings (e.g., rural and suburban). Funding Sources USDA North Central Nutrition Education Center for Excellence.

scholarly journals Comparing Diet Quality of Racial Minority Children from Low-Income Households During the Summer versus School Year: Results from the Project SWEAT Study (P04-102-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Hopkins ◽  
Carolyn Gunther
Keyword(s):  
Diet Quality ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Racial Minority ◽  
Whole Grains ◽  
Plant Protein ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
School Age ◽  
Time Points ◽  
School Year

Abstract Objectives Compare the diet quality of racial minority school-age children from low-income households during the summer versus school year. Methods Two elementary schools in low-income urban neighborhoods of Columbus, OH were recruited. Families with children at these schools were invited to participate. Caregivers completed a demographic survey at baseline (t0). Child diet was assessed using three 24-hr dietary recalls (2 weekdays and 1 weekend day) at 3 time points: 1) baseline/beginning of summer (t0); 2) middle of summer (t1); and 3) beginning of subsequent school year (t2). Demographic data were summarized. Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2015 was calculated: total [100] and component [Adequacy: total fruit (5), whole fruit (5), total vegetable (5), greens and beans (5), whole grains (10), dairy (10), total protein (5), seafood and plant protein (5), fatty acids (10); Moderation: refined grains (10), sodium (10), added sugars (10), saturated fats (10)]. Paired t-tests were conducted to determine differences in diet quality between time points (t0: t1, t1: t2, t0: t2). Results 62 children (39 families) enrolled. Mean age was 7.08 ±0.34 yr, 80.67% were African American, and 69.35% low-income. Participant retention from t0: t1 and t0: t2 was 95.16% and 75.81%. Mean total HEI was 47.37 ± 1.57 (t0), 47.51 ± 1.22 (t1), and 51.13 ± 1.46 (t2) with significant differences between summer and school year time points (t0: t2, P = 0.02; t1: t2, P = 0.01). Significant differences in adequacy and moderation HEI component scores between the two summer time points and school year time point were observed such that child diet quality was better during the school year. Adequacy: whole fruit (t1: t2 P = 0.02), total vegetable (t0: t2 P < 0.01; t1: t2 P < 0.01), greens beans (t0: t1 P < 0.01; t1: t2 P < 0.01), and seafood and plant protein (t0: t2 P = 0.06; t1: t2 P = 0.08). Moderation: sodium (t0: t2 P = 0.07) and added sugar (t0: t2 P = 0.06; t1: t2 P = 0.02). The HEI component score for whole grains was significantly better during the summer compared to the school year (t0: t2 P < 0.01; t1: t2 P < 0.01). Conclusions Except for whole grains, child diet quality is better during the school year versus summer. Findings from this study provide the first insight into potential determinants of unhealthy weight gain observed among economically disadvantaged, school-age children during the summer months. Funding Sources USDA North Central Nutrition Education for Excellence.

scholarly journals LET’S TALK FOOD: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF SCHOOL AND HOME FOOD ENVIRONMENT AND THE IMPACT OF THE HARVEST OF THE MONTH PROGRAM ON THEIR DIETARY ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Margolin ◽  
Keiko Goto ◽  
Cindy Wolff ◽  
Stephanie Bianco
Keyword(s):  
Elementary School ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Elementary School Students ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Food Environment ◽  
School Students ◽  
Attitudes And Behaviors ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
The Impact

This study aimed to further knowledge about elementary school students’ views on food environment, and the effects of the Harvest of the Month (HOTM) program on their dietary attitudes and behaviors. Three focus groups were conducted with a total of 24 fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students from low-income schools in northern California who received the National School Lunch Program and HOTM during the school year. Focus groups were tape-recorded, transcribed, and coded for specific themes. Following the intervention, participants expressed a desire for more healthy food options in the school cafeteria and wanted to receive more school and family support for healthy eating. The HOTM program created a positive environment that appeared to influence their dietary attitudes and behaviors, peer and family perceptions of healthy eating, and participants’ attitudes toward their schools. Specifically, cooking demonstrations, tasting activities, and take-home recipes provided them with a means to share with their parents what they had learned about fruits and vegetables. School food policy interventions may become more effective if they are combined with interventions based on nutrition education. Future research should focus on exploring effective and synergistic ways of implementing both types of interventions among children.

scholarly journals Get Cookin’

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 48-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janelle Morris ◽  
Keiko Goto ◽  
Cindy Wolff ◽  
Stephanie Bianco ◽  
Aurelia Samonte
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
Meal Planning ◽  
Eating Practices

Background and Purpose: Healthy eating practices have been associated with prevention of chronic diseases. There is limited information about strategies for healthy eating practices among families. The current study examined the effectiveness of Get Cookin’, a six-week intervention consisting of nutrition education and hands-on cooking and tasting activities among low-income families. Methods: Lowincome adults participated in Get Cookin’, a six-week intervention consisting of nutrition education and hands-on cooking activities. Ninety-six participants completed a retrospective survey which examined their meal planning, budgeting and cooking behaviors, as well as fruit and vegetable consumption. Thirteen graduates of the program participated in focus groups. The Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used to examine pre-to-post changes. Results: Participants showed significant improvements in meal planning and budgeting skills. They started cooking meals at home more frequently and increased consumption and variety of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Focus groups revealed that participants shared cooking and nutrition information and skills learned with their families. Additionally, participants with diverse backgrounds gained a sense of empowerment to overcome personal challenges to make healthy choices. Conclusions: Nutrition education, combined with cooking and tasting activities, appears to have a positive impact on healthy behaviors among low-income families. Further research with a control group would be needed to more definitively understand the effectiveness of the Get Cookin’ intervention.

scholarly journals A theoretically informed, mixed-methods study of pharmacists’ aspirations and readiness to implement pharmacist prescribing

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derek Stewart ◽  
Abdulrouf Pallivalapila ◽  
Binny Thomas ◽  
Yolande Hanssens ◽  
Wessam El Kassem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Pharmacy Practice ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Pharmacist Prescribing ◽  
Facilitators And Barriers ◽  
Physician Resistance ◽  
Inner Setting

AbstractBackground Studies have highlighted advancing clinical pharmacy practice in Qatar. Objective To explore pharmacists’ aspirations and readiness to implement pharmacist prescribing. Setting Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), the main provider of secondary and tertiary care. Method A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design. Questionnaire items were derived from the Consolidated Framework of Implementation Research (CFIR), in domains of: awareness/support; readiness; implementation; and facilitators and barriers. Following piloting, all pharmacists (n = 554) were invited to participate. Questionnaire data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics with principal component analysis of attitudinal items. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed and analysed using the Framework Approach. Main outcome measure Aspirations and readiness to implement pharmacist prescribing. Results The response rate was 62.8% (n = 348), with respondents highly supportive of implementation in Qatar (median 4, scale 0–5, extremely supportive). The majority (64.9%, n = 226) considered themselves ready, particularly those more senior (p < 0.05) and classifying themselves innovative (p < 0.01). Outpatient (72.9%, n = 221 agreeing) and inpatient (71.1%, n = 218 agreeing) HMC settings were those perceived as being most ready. PCA identified 2 components, with ‘personal attributes’ being more positive than ‘prescribing support’. Facilitators were access to records, organizational/management support and the practice environment, with physician resistance and scope of practice as barriers. Focus groups provided explanation, with themes in CFIR domains of innovation characteristics, characteristics of individuals and the inner setting. Conclusion HMC pharmacists largely aspire, and consider themselves ready, to be prescribers with inpatient and outpatient settings most ready. CFIR domains and constructs identified as facilitators and barriers should be focus for implementation.

scholarly journals Healthy eating: a matter of prioritisation by households or policymakers?

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Joreintje Dingena Mackenbach
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Food System ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Decision Making Processes

Abstract I reflect upon the potential reasons why American low-income households do not spend an optimal proportion of their food budgets on fruits and vegetables, even though this would allow them to meet the recommended levels of fruit and vegetable consumption. Other priorities than health, automatic decision-making processes and access to healthy foods play a role, but solutions for the persistent socio-economic inequalities in diet should be sought in the wider food system which promotes cheap, mass-produced foods. I argue that, ultimately, healthy eating is not a matter of prioritisation by individual households but by policymakers.

Building Evidence to Prevent Childhood Obesity: Lessons from the Portland Healthy Eating Active Living (Heal) Coalition

2009 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 21-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Everett ◽  
Angie Mejia ◽  
Olivia Quiroz
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Ecological Model ◽  
Health Promotion Program ◽  
Grocery Stores ◽  
Active Living ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Social Scientists ◽  
The Impact

The Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Coalition is a community-based health promotion program begun in 2006 in North Portland's Portsmouth neighborhood. The program seeks to promote community health and prevent childhood obesity by addressing barriers at local, regional and policy levels, with particular attention to the built environment. This article describes the findings of a program evaluation based on interviews with school staff and Latino parents. Important themes include the impact of the closure of a neighborhood school, access to grocery stores with affordable healthy foods, and concern about school meals. The comprehensive approach of programs like HEAL, which uses the socio-ecological model of health promotion, lends itself well to the participation of applied social scientists.

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