Rebecca Boehm1, Marlene B Schwartz2, Ann Lowenfels3, Ian Brissette3, Mary Jo Pattison3, Jia Ren3. 1. Food and Environment Program, Union of Concerned Scientists, 1825 K Street, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC, 20006. 2. Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, University of Connecticut, 1 Constitution Plaza, Suite 600, Hartford, CT, 06103. 3. New York State Department of Public Health, 1084 Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY, 12237.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study tested the hypothesis that written district wellness policies are associated with higher rates of implementation of nutrition and physical activity practices. METHODS: Written wellness policies and building level practices were assessed for schools (N = 295) within high-need districts (N = 70) in New York State. The relationship between policies and practices was measured using multi-level mixed-effects logistic regressions. RESULTS: Overall, stronger written district policies significantly increase the likelihood of practice implementation in schools. This relationship is strongest for physical education and physical activity items, followed by nutrition standards for competitive foods in middle and high schools. Most elementary schools implemented nutrition practices with or without a policy and there were differences in implementation rates between elementary and middle/high schools. When examined separately, policies were for the most part not significantly associated with implementation of corresponding practices. CONCLUSIONS: Strong and comprehensive written policies are associated with higher rates of practice implementation overall, but the consistency of this relationship varies by policy-practice domain. The newer policy topics areas of school wellness promotion and marketing were less frequently included in written policies. Future research should examine whether districts that strengthen their written policies achieve greater implementation over time.
BACKGROUND: This study tested the hypothesis that written district wellness policies are associated with higher rates of implementation of nutrition and physical activity practices. METHODS: Written wellness policies and building level practices were assessed for schools (N = 295) within high-need districts (N = 70) in New York State. The relationship between policies and practices was measured using multi-level mixed-effects logistic regressions. RESULTS: Overall, stronger written district policies significantly increase the likelihood of practice implementation in schools. This relationship is strongest for physical education and physical activity items, followed by nutrition standards for competitive foods in middle and high schools. Most elementary schools implemented nutrition practices with or without a policy and there were differences in implementation rates between elementary and middle/high schools. When examined separately, policies were for the most part not significantly associated with implementation of corresponding practices. CONCLUSIONS: Strong and comprehensive written policies are associated with higher rates of practice implementation overall, but the consistency of this relationship varies by policy-practice domain. The newer policy topics areas of school wellness promotion and marketing were less frequently included in written policies. Future research should examine whether districts that strengthen their written policies achieve greater implementation over time.
Authors: Lily Grigsby-Duffy; Ruby Brooks; Tara Boelsen-Robinson; Miranda R Blake; Kathryn Backholer; Claire Palermo; Anna Peeters Journal: Health Promot Int Date: 2022-10-01 Impact factor: 3.734
Authors: Justin B Moore; R Glenn Weaver; Beverly J Levine; Camelia R Singletary; Russell L Carson; Michael W Beets; Darla M Castelli; Aaron Beighle; Russell R Pate Journal: Health Behav Policy Rev Date: 2021-03