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A mixed-method study of parents’ views of food and nutrition in Australian primary schools

Gozde Aydin (Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia) (Centre for Health Economics, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia)
Claire Margerison (Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia)
Anthony Worsley (Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia)
Alison Booth (Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia)

Health Education

ISSN: 0965-4283

Article publication date: 13 May 2024

Issue publication date: 6 June 2024

187

Abstract

Purpose

Schools have long been perceived as an ideal setting to support the healthy eating behaviours of children. The aim of the study was to examine the views of Australian primary school parents regarding school food and nutrition, including education, practices and policy.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted among 787 parents in March 2021, which included closed and open-ended questions.

Findings

The results indicated the inconsistent implementation of policies and/or varying practices among different schools. Parents’ views were slightly associated with some demographic and personal measures including their SES levels, education, age, the main language spoken at home and universalism values. Parents viewed healthy food provision through canteens, policies and informing parents, fruit and vegetable breaks and kitchen and garden programs as the main contributors to the promotion of healthy eating. They believed unhealthy options in canteens, school fairs, events and birthdays are the major contributors to the formation of unhealthy eating habits among children at schools. Results revealed the efforts to establish health promoting school food environments in Australian primary schools; however, inconsistencies and discrepancies among schools should be addressed to ensure equity among all children.

Practical implications

The findings may provide directions for policymakers and school managers and can inform future reforms and initiatives in Australian primary schools and elsewhere.

Originality/value

This is the first study that has examined Australian parents’ views of school food policy, practices and environments using a mixed-methods design.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the participating parents.

Funding: The study received internal funding from the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University.

Citation

Aydin, G., Margerison, C., Worsley, A. and Booth, A. (2024), "A mixed-method study of parents’ views of food and nutrition in Australian primary schools", Health Education, Vol. 124 No. 1/2, pp. 119-136. https://doi.org/10.1108/HE-03-2023-0032

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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