State Agency Support of Weight‐Related School Policy Implementation |
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| Authors: | Katherine Y Grannon MPH RDN Nicole Larson PhD MPH RD Jennifer Pelletier PhD Michael J O'Connell BS Marilyn S Nanney PhD RD |
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| Institution: | 1. Medical School, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota, 717 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414;2. School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, 1300 South Second Street, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454;3. Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Statewide Health Improvement Initiatives, 85 East 7th Place, Suite 220, St. Paul, MN 55164‐0882;4. University of Minnesota, Biostatistical Design and Analysis Center, 717 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414;5. School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota, 717 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414 |
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| Abstract: | BACKGROUND In this study, we describe state agency strategies to support weight‐related policy implementation in schools, and examine the association among state support, obesity prevalence, and strength of state policies governing school nutrition and physical education. METHODS The 2012 School Health Policies and Practices Study describes prevalence of implementation support state agencies provided to schools/districts. Implementation support items were analyzed by weight‐related policy area (eg, advertising, wellness policy) and by type of support (eg, technical assistance). Results were summed to create a total weight‐related policy support score. Linear regression was used to examine associations between policy support and state youth obesity prevalence (2011‐2012 National Survey for Children's Health), overall and stratified by state policy strength (2012 Classification of Laws Associated with School Students). RESULTS States provided support most commonly for school meals and wellness policies (89% and 81%, respectively) and least often for after‐school PE (26%). Most states (80%) provided technical assistance. The total weight‐related policy support score had a significant positive association with state‐level youth overweight/obesity prevalence (p = .03). CONCLUSION State agencies appear to be responding to their youth obesity prevalence with technical support. Schools and state agencies should work in collaboration to provide a healthy school environment for all students. |
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| Keywords: | school health youth obesity technical assistance school policy |
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