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Development and Validation of a Photo‐Evidence Tool to Examine Characteristics of Effective Drinking Water Access in Schools
Author(s) -
Patel Anisha I.,
Podrabsky Mary,
Hecht Amelie A.,
Morris Sophie,
Yovanovich Sasha,
Walkinshaw Lina P.,
Ritchie Lorrene,
Hecht Christina
Publication year - 2020
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.12873
Subject(s) - audit , water source , kappa , promotion (chess) , environmental health , psychology , environmental science , medicine , business , mathematics , accounting , water resource management , political science , geometry , politics , law
BACKGROUND Federal law requires water access in schools where meals are served. Schools report high rates of water accessibility in cafeterias, but observations indicate lower adherence. Although observation is costly, it permits a more detailed assessment of a water source to determine whether it provides effective access that encourages water consumption and thus, healthy hydration for students. METHODS To offer a less costly alternative to observations, researchers developed and validated a photo‐evidence tool to examine characteristics of effective school drinking water access. Two observers recorded characteristics of 200 water sources in 30 schools, including type, wear, cleanliness, and water flow, and examined obstructions and beverage promotion near sources, as well as, drinking vessel availability. Observers photographed sources which were coded by a separate research team. Agreement between observation audits and photograph coding was assessed through percent agreement, and kappa statistics and correlation coefficients. RESULTS Kappas indicated substantial ( K > 0.60) or near perfect agreement ( K > 0.80) for all characteristics of effective drinking water access with exception of wear. There was moderate agreement (r = 0.66) for water source cleanliness. CONCLUSIONS Development and validation of a photo‐evidence tool to examine characteristics of effective drinking water access in schools.