The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #67150

Jamie A. Benedict, PhD, RD and Gwenn M. Snow, MS, RD. Nutrition Dept., University of Nevada, Reno, Mailstop 142, Reno, NV 89557, 775-784-6445, benedict@unr.nevada.edu

In order to curb the recent and dramatic rise in obesity among children, there is great interest in modifying the school environment to increase physical activity and healthful food choices among students. Suggested modifications depend in large part on the support and cooperation of school employees. Yet, little is known about their perceptions regarding this issue. To fill this gap, a mail survey was conducted of employees (N=2,168) in 46 middle schools throughout Nevada. The survey instrument assessed the relative ease/difficulty of implementing proposed environmental strategies; the significance of barriers that may be encountered; and the employee's perception of his/her role in promoting healthful food choices and physical activity among students. The number of usable surveys returned was 1,062: 90% from teachers, 8% from administrators, and 2% from food service directors. Survey findings related to the promotion of physical activity and healthful food choices were similar. Strategies that would impact schedules or resources were rated as more difficult than those involving additional effort on behalf of the school employees. The most significant barriers related to external, competing influences (e.g., parents' lifestyles) and the potential loss of revenue. Results also indicated that a majority of employees believed they played important roles (e.g., advocate) in creating a more healthful school environment. In conclusion, this study provides new information about school employees' perceptions of environmental modifications that may reduce obesity risk and their corresponding roles. The results may be useful to agencies interested in working with schools to address this public health concern.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss school employees' perceptions of the relative ease/difficulty associated with implementing environmental strategies to reduce obesity risk among middle school students.
• Identify and discuss the relative significance of potential barriers that may be encountered when implementing environmental strategies at middle schools to reduce obesity risk.
• Evaluate the roles of middle school employees in promoting physical activity and healthful food choices among middle school students.

Keywords: Nutrition, Obesity

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.