Abstract:
Physical inactivity and unhealthy eating among U.S. adolescents incrase their risk for chronic diseases and many types of cancer. Schools have been identified as effective settings to promote adolescents' healthy behaviors. This promotion starts with the development of local school wellness policies (LSWP). LSWP are written documents designed to guide a school's effort in promoting health and well-being. Studies show that the quality of LSWP matter, for example, LSWP quality predicts policy implementation in schools, and in turn, healthier student behaviors. The quality of Oregon’s LSWP is unknown. Also, unknown are the high school-level social and environmental factors associated with the quality of the LSWP. Thus, the aims of the project include describing the quality of a statewide sample of Oregon LSWP, identifying ways to improve the LSWP, as well as determining social and environmental factors (i.e.., racial/ethnic makeup of the school, % receiving free/reduced-price lunch at the school, rurality of school setting, walkability of area surrounding school) associated with the quality of LSWP. The research question is answered through the evaluation of each LSWP using the Wellness School Assessment Tool (WellSAT: 2.0). The tool assesses how each policy addresses 78 policy items across six sections. The overall assessment shows the strength and comprehensiveness of each LSWP in addressing the nutritional and physical needs of Oregon students. Based on the evaluation, this study demonstrates that while there is room for improvement in each category, more importance should be placed on physical education and wellness promotion. Combined with the demographics of each community, it was found that only a positive, weak correlation existed between the strength score for Nutrition Standards (NS) and percent eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, as well as between the strength score for Physical Education & Physical Activity (PEPA) score and percent eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.