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The Needs of Nutrition and Physical Activity Education for Staff of Michigan Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Centers
Author(s) -
Knox Amanda R.,
Lim Yuen Mei,
Song SuJin,
MoorheadHill Kaitlyn,
Farabi Nabila,
Song Won O.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.31.1_supplement.961.24
Subject(s) - thematic analysis , nutrition education , focus group , medicine , head start , physical activity , medical education , descriptive statistics , gerontology , family medicine , psychology , nursing , qualitative research , physical therapy , social science , developmental psychology , statistics , mathematics , marketing , sociology , business
Background and Aim Staff in child care settings are expected to influence child development through their knowledge and practices of nutrition and physical activity. Limited research has been conducted on training practices and needs of staff in Migrant and Seasonal Head Start (MSHS) programs. The aim of this mixed methods study was to identify needs of nutrition and physical activity education to improve the competency and well‐being of staff in Michigan MSHS programs by assessing their desired contents for education and facilitators and barriers of healthy nutrition and physical activity behaviors. Methods Five focus groups were conducted at five Michigan MSHS centers from July to September 2016. A total of 28 staff including teachers (n=12), assistant teachers (n=3), center aides or assistants (n=7), specialists (n=3), special service assistants (n=2), and a secretary (n=1) were recruited using convenience sampling. Two trained researchers asked participants about their desired contents for education and facilitators and barriers for practicing healthy nutrition and physical activity behaviors. Focus group responses were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. An online survey questionnaire was administered to a total of 197 staff in the same positions. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the survey data. Results A majority of staff were interested in nutrition and physical activity education and receiving education weekly or monthly. Desired contents identified for nutrition and physical activity education included cooking and meal preparation, growing food, preserving food, improving child health, basic nutrition knowledge, and types of physical activity. Facilitators of healthy nutrition and physical activity behaviors included incentives, support systems, and motivation for personal health improvement. Barriers of healthy nutrition and physical activity behaviors included time constraints, financial constraints, demanding work environment, incognizance of education programs, family responsibilities, no motivation to be healthy, and limited access to resources. Conclusions A large proportion of staff expressed interest in nutrition and physical activity education. Unique needs and factors that prevent and encourage healthy nutrition and physical activity behaviors were identified among staff of MSHS centers. Findings from this study can be used to develop effective training programs to improve their competency and better meet their needs. Staff with a thorough understanding of nutrition and physical activity knowledge may help them improve their well‐being and serve as better role models and educators to children in child care settings. Support or Funding Information This study was supported by Michigan Telamon Corporation, Michigan State University Extension, and Michigan State University College Assistance Migrant Program.