Validity of a self-report survey tool measuring the nutrition and physical activity environment of primary schools
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RESEARCH
Open Access
Validity of a self-report survey tool measuring the nutrition and physical activity environment of primary schools Nicole Nathan1,2,3,4,5*, Luke Wolfenden1,2,3,4,5, Philip J Morgan5, Andrew C Bell2,5, Daniel Barker4 and John Wiggers1,2,3,4
Abstract Background: Valid tools measuring characteristics of the school environment associated with the physical activity and dietary behaviours of children are needed to accurately evaluate the impact of initiatives to improve school environments. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of Principal self-report of primary school healthy eating and physical activity environments. Methods: Primary school Principals (n = 42) in New South Wales, Australia were invited to complete a telephone survey of the school environment; the School Environment Assessment Tool – SEAT. Equivalent observational data were collected by pre-service teachers located within the school. The SEAT, involved 65 items that assessed food availability via canteens, vending machines and fundraisers and the presence of physical activity facilities, equipment and organised physical activities. Kappa statistics were used to assess agreement between the two measures. Results: Almost 70% of the survey demonstrated moderate to almost perfect agreement. Substantial agreement was found for 10 of 13 items assessing foods sold for fundraising, 3 of 6 items assessing physical activity facilities of the school, and both items assessing organised physical activities that occurred at recess and lunch and school sport. Limited agreement was found for items assessing foods sold through canteens and access to small screen recreation. Conclusions: The SEAT provides researchers and policy makers with a valid tool for assessing aspects of the school food and physical activity environment.
Introduction Schools have been recognised as an important setting for promoting child healthy eating and physical activity [1]. Ecological frameworks and empirical research suggest that a number of school characteristics such as their economic, policy and socio-cultural environment can impact upon these behaviours [2]. Moreover, the physical environment of schools can significantly impact upon the nutrition and physical activity behaviours of
* Correspondence: [email protected] 1 Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Area Health Service, Newcastle; Locked Bag No. 10, Wallsend, NSW 2287, Australia 2 School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia Full list of author information is available at the end of the article
low-nutrient dense foods such as soft-drinks and confectionary through school canteens, vending machines or fundraising activities have been associated with children consuming a higher intake of kilojoules and saturated fat and a lower intake of vegetables and fruit [1,4,5,7,8]. Similarly, the availability of open spaces (e.g. courts or fields) [9]; playground markings [10]; fixed outdoor equipment such as climbing
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