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Parents’ and Teachers’ Views of Food Environments and Policies in Indian Private Secondary Schools

Author

Listed:
  • Neha Rathi

    (Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia)

  • Lynn Riddell

    (Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia)

  • Anthony Worsley

    (Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia)

Abstract

School food environments and policies can play a pivotal role in inculcating healthy food habits among young people. This cross-sectional survey explored teachers’ and parents’ views of the role of school food environments and policies in promoting healthy food consumption among Indian adolescents. Thirty-two teachers and 280 parents from five private, English-speaking, secondary schools in Kolkata, India took part in a short questionnaire survey which included closed and open answer questions. Descriptive and chi-square analyses were performed to compare the responses of parents and teachers. Thematic data analysis underpinned by Template Analysis Technique was employed to examine the qualitative responses. The easy availability and accessibility of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods, the limited availability of nutritious foods, the absence of written food policies, and inflated prices of nutritious foods were reported as problems in the Indian school food environment. However, the respondents also noted that schools restricted the sale of sugar-sweetened beverages and adopted hygienic food practices. Novel ideas for creating healthy school food environments and effective school canteen policies were also captured during the survey. These findings point to the need to create effective school food policies in Indian secondary schools to help adolescents eat healthily at school. Future research is required to test the feasibility of the implementation of school food policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Neha Rathi & Lynn Riddell & Anthony Worsley, 2018. "Parents’ and Teachers’ Views of Food Environments and Policies in Indian Private Secondary Schools," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-14, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:7:p:1532-:d:158894
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Geeta Gandhi Kingdon, 2007. "The progress of school education in India," Oxford Review of Economic Policy, Oxford University Press and Oxford Review of Economic Policy Limited, vol. 23(2), pages 168-195, Summer.
    2. Neha Rathi & Lynn Riddell & Anthony Worsley, 2018. "Barriers to Nutrition Promotion in Private Secondary Schools in Kolkata, India: Perspectives of Parents and Teachers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-9, June.
    3. repec:mpr:mprres:6161 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Ronette R. Briefel & Ander Wilson & Philip M. Gleason, 2009. "Consumption of Low-Nutrient Energy-Dense Foods and Beverages at School Home and Other Locations Among School Lunch Participants and Nonparticipants," Mathematica Policy Research Reports 461c53197c444572b13a4f215, Mathematica Policy Research.
    5. Anthony Winson, 2008. "School food environments and the obesity issue: content, structural determinants, and agency in Canadian high schools," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 25(4), pages 499-511, December.
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    1. Constance Awuor Gewa & Agatha Christine Onyango & Rose Okoyo Opiyo & Lawrence Cheskin & Joel Gittelsohn, 2021. "Food Environment in and around Primary School Children’s Schools and Neighborhoods in Two Urban Settings in Kenya," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-19, May.

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