Alexander First Nations Parents’ Perceptions of a School Nutrition Policy
Publication: Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
12 September 2019
Abstract
Purpose: A school nutrition policy (SNP) is one promising school-based health promotion strategy to improve the food environments of First Nations children. The aim of this study was to explore First Nations parents’ perceptions of a SNP.
Methods: A process evaluation of policy implementation was conducted using a mixed-methods design. Parents (n = 83) completed a 19-question survey to capture their perceptions of the policy. Survey responses informed questions in an 11-question semi-structured interview guide. Transcripts from interviews with parents (n = 10) were analyzed using content analysis to identify barriers and facilitators to policy implementation.
Results: Parents were supportive of the SNP and the school’s food programs, which they perceived as helping to address community concerns related to nutrition. However, some parents opposed the restriction of unhealthy foods at school celebrations and fundraisers. In addition, despite being aware of the SNP, parents were unable to demonstrate an understanding of the SNP content. Finally, parents struggled to provide their children with healthy foods to bring to school due to lack of affordable and accessible food in the community.
Conclusions: Although SNPs may be well-received in First Nations communities, their implementation must be supported by parent involvement and consideration of wider socioeconomic conditions.
Résumé
Objectif. Une politique en matière de nutrition en milieu scolaire (PNS) est une stratégie prometteuse de promotion de la santé à l’école pour améliorer les environnements alimentaires des enfants des Premières nations. L’objectif de cette étude était d’explorer la perception de parents des Premières nations à l’égard d’une PNS.
Méthodes. Une évaluation du processus de mise en œuvre d’une politique a été effectuée au moyen d’une méthode mixte. Des parents (n = 83) ont répondu à un sondage de 19 questions afin de faire part de leur perception de la politique. Les réponses au sondage ont orienté les questions d’un guide d’entrevue semi-structurée de 11 questions. La transcription des entrevues avec les parents (n = 10) a été analysée au moyen d’une analyse du contenu afin de cibler les obstacles et les facteurs facilitant la mise en œuvre d’une politique.
Résultats. Les parents étaient favorables à la PNS et aux programmes alimentaires scolaires, lesquels aidaient, selon eux, à aborder des problèmes liés à la nutrition dans la communauté. Cependant, certains parents s’opposaient à l’interdiction des aliments malsains lors des célébrations et des campagnes de financement de l’école. De plus, bien qu’ils étaient au courant de la PNS, certains parents n’étaient pas en mesure de démontrer une compréhension du contenu de la PNS. Finalement, des parents avaient de la difficulté à offrir à leurs enfants des aliments sains à apporter à l’école en raison du manque d’aliments abordables et accessibles dans la communauté.
Conclusions. Bien que les PNS puissent être bien reçues dans les communautés des Premières nations, leur mise en œuvre doit être soutenue par une participation des parents et une considération des conditions socio-économiques plus larges.
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Funding: This research was funded by a grant from PolicyWise for Children & Families (formerly Alberta Centre for Child, Family and Community Research). CG received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (Funding reference number: DAR—152257), and the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation through the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute. At study inception, NDW was a Health Scholar, Alberta Innovates Health Solutions.
Conflicts of interest statement: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Published In
Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
Volume 81 • Number 2 • June 2020
Pages: 66 - 71
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Version of record online: 12 September 2019
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© 2020.
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ChristinaGilliesMA, PhD Candidate, Alexander Research Committee, AnnaFarmerPhD, KaterinaMaximovaPhD, and Noreen D.WillowsPhD. 2020. Alexander First Nations Parents’ Perceptions of a School Nutrition Policy. Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research.
81(2): 66-71. https://doi.org/10.3148/cjdpr-2019-026
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