Grade nine students and policy : perspectives of the school nutrition and physical activity environment
Date
2012
Authors
Brooks, Kimberlee
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, c2012
Abstract
The school environment is often the focus of healthy eating and physical activity policies intended to address childhood obesity. However, students are usually excluded from the development and implementation of such policies. The purpose of this study was to explore grade nine student perspectives regarding: supports and barriers to healthy eating and physical activity at school; strategies for improving the school nutrition and physical activity environments; and potential student contribution to the development, implementation, and evaluation of school-based policies. A qualitative approach utilizing focus groups and photovoice with 30 students from two schools in southern Alberta was used to collect data. Major themes included: access to healthy food choices; teacher influences; peer influences; access to physical activity opportunities; impact of marketing; and conflicting messages. Students can provide valuable insights to policy development, implementation and evaluation. Implications for future research and policy development are reviewed.
Description
xi, 179 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm
Keywords
Student participation in administration -- Alberta -- Medicine Hat , School environment -- Alberta -- Medicine Hat , School improvement programs -- Alberta -- Medicine Hat , Obesity in children -- Prevention , Obesity in adolescence -- Prevention , High schools -- Health promotion services -- Alberta -- Medicine Hat , Physical education for youth , Nutrition policy , Dissertations, Academic