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The Role of Family and Community Involvement in the Development and Implementation of School Nutrition and Physical Activity Policy
Author(s) -
Kehm Rebecca,
Davey Cynthia S.,
Nanney Marilyn S.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of school health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.851
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1746-1561
pISSN - 0022-4391
DOI - 10.1111/josh.12231
Subject(s) - logistic regression , physical activity , physical education , variance (accounting) , sample (material) , psychology , community health , nutrition education , medical education , gerontology , environmental health , medicine , public health , nursing , physical therapy , chemistry , accounting , chromatography , business
BACKGROUND Although there are several evidence‐based recommendations directed at improving nutrition and physical activity standards in schools, these guidelines have not been uniformly adopted throughout the United States. Consequently, research is needed to identify facilitators promoting schools to implement these recommendations. Therefore, this study analyzed the 2008 School Health Profiles Principal Survey (Profiles) to explore the role of family and community involvement in school nutrition and physical activity standards. METHODS Survey data on nutrition and physical activity policies, as well as family and community involvement, were available for 28 states, representing 6732 secondary schools. One‐factor analysis of variance ( ANOVA ), 2‐sample t‐tests, Pearson's chi‐square tests, and multiple logistic and linear regression models were employed in this analysis. RESULTS Family and community involvement were associated with schools more frequently utilizing healthy eating strategies and offering students healthier food options. Further, involvement was associated with greater support for physical education staff and more intramural sports opportunities for students. CONCLUSIONS Though family and community involvement have the potential to have a positive influence on school nutrition and physical activity policies and practices, involvement remains low in schools. Increased efforts are needed to encourage collaboration among schools, families, and communities to ensure the highest health standards for all students.