Evaluation of Nutrition and Physical Activity Policies and Practices in Child Care Centers within Rural Communities.
Child Obes
; 11(5): 506-12, 2015 Oct.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-26291561
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Although some researchers have examined nutrition and physical activity policies within urban child care centers, little is known about the potentially unique needs of rural communities.METHODS:
Child care centers serving preschool children located within low-income rural communities (n = 29) from seven states (Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin) were assessed to determine current nutrition and physical activity (PA) practices and policies. As part of a large-scale childhood obesity prevention project, the Community Healthy Living Index's previously validated Early Childhood Program Assessment Tool was used to collect data. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted to identify high-priority areas. Healthy People 2020 and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' recommendations for nutrition and PA policies in child care centers were used as benchmarks.RESULTS:
Reports of not fully implementing (<80% of the time) recommended nutrition-related policies or practices within rural early child care centers were identified. Centers not consistently serving a variety of fruits (48%), vegetables (45%), whole grains (41%), limiting saturated fat intake (31%), implementing healthy celebration guidelines (41%), involving children in mealtime (62%), and referring families to nutrition assistance programs (24%) were identified. More than one third of centers also had limited structured PA opportunities. Although eligible, only 48% of the centers participated in the Child and Adult Care Food Program.CONCLUSIONS:
Overall, centers lacked parental outreach, staff training, and funding/resources to support nutrition and PA. These results provide insight into where child care centers within low-income, rural communities may need assistance to help prevent childhood obesity.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Rural Population
/
Child Day Care Centers
/
Early Intervention, Educational
/
Pediatric Obesity
/
Food Services
/
Motor Activity
/
Nutritional Requirements
Type of study:
Evaluation_studies
/
Guideline
/
Prognostic_studies
Aspects:
Determinantes_sociais_saude
Limits:
Child
/
Child, preschool
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Country/Region as subject:
America do norte
Language:
En
Journal:
Child Obes
Year:
2015
Document type:
Article