Olivia J M Martyniuk1, Leigh M Vanderloo1, Jennifer D Irwin2, Shauna M Burke2, Patricia Tucker3. 1. 1Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences,University of Western Ontario,London,Ontario,Canada. 2. 2School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences,University of Western Ontario,London,Ontario,Canada. 3. 3School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences,University of Western Ontario,1201 Western Road,Elborn College,Room 2547,London, ON,Canada,N6G 1H1.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare the nutrition environment and practices (as they relate to pre-schoolers) of centre- and home-based child-care facilities. DESIGN: Using a cross-sectional study design, nineteen child-care facilities (ten centre-based, nine home-based) were assessed for one full day using the Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation (EPAO) tool (consisting of a day-long observation/review of the nutrition environment, practices and related documents). Specifically, eight nutrition-related subscales were considered. SETTING: Child-care facilities in London, Ontario, Canada. SUBJECTS: Child-care facilities were recruited through directors at centre-based programmes and the providers of home-based programmes. RESULTS: The mean total nutrition environment EPAO scores for centre- and home-based facilities were 12·3 (sd 1·94) and 10·8 (sd 0·78) out of 20 (where a higher score indicates a more supportive environment with regard to nutrition), respectively. The difference between the total nutrition environment EPAO score for centre- and home-based facilities was approaching significance (P=0·055). For both types of facilities, the highest nutrition subscale score (out of 20) was achieved in the staff behaviours domain (centre mean=17·4; home mean=17·0) and the lowest was in the nutrition training and education domain (centre mean=3·6; home mean=2·0). CONCLUSIONS: Additional research is needed to confirm these findings. In order to better support child-care staff and enhance the overall nutrition environment in child care, modifications to food practices could be adopted. Specifically, the nutritional quality of foods/beverages provided to pre-schoolers could be improved, nutrition-related training for child-care staff could be provided, and a nutrition curriculum could be created to educate pre-schoolers about healthy food choices.
OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare the nutrition environment and practices (as they relate to pre-schoolers) of centre- and home-based child-care facilities. DESIGN: Using a cross-sectional study design, nineteen child-care facilities (ten centre-based, nine home-based) were assessed for one full day using the Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation (EPAO) tool (consisting of a day-long observation/review of the nutrition environment, practices and related documents). Specifically, eight nutrition-related subscales were considered. SETTING:Child-care facilities in London, Ontario, Canada. SUBJECTS:Child-care facilities were recruited through directors at centre-based programmes and the providers of home-based programmes. RESULTS: The mean total nutrition environment EPAO scores for centre- and home-based facilities were 12·3 (sd 1·94) and 10·8 (sd 0·78) out of 20 (where a higher score indicates a more supportive environment with regard to nutrition), respectively. The difference between the total nutrition environment EPAO score for centre- and home-based facilities was approaching significance (P=0·055). For both types of facilities, the highest nutrition subscale score (out of 20) was achieved in the staff behaviours domain (centre mean=17·4; home mean=17·0) and the lowest was in the nutrition training and education domain (centre mean=3·6; home mean=2·0). CONCLUSIONS: Additional research is needed to confirm these findings. In order to better support child-care staff and enhance the overall nutrition environment in child care, modifications to food practices could be adopted. Specifically, the nutritional quality of foods/beverages provided to pre-schoolers could be improved, nutrition-related training for child-care staff could be provided, and a nutrition curriculum could be created to educate pre-schoolers about healthy food choices.
Entities:
Keywords:
Child-care environment; Child-care staff practices; Nutrition; Pre-school children
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