Abstract
Globally, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) were responsible for 41 million deaths in 2016, with the majority of these occurring in low- and middle-income countries. These diseases are on the rise as a result of unhealthy, low-quality, and unbalanced diets, which have resulted in overweight and obesity. The National School Nutrition Program (NSNP) was created to regulate the foods sold to schoolchildren. The aim of this study was to ascertain school management teams’ perspectives on the relationship between the NSNP and the development of lifestyle diseases. A phenomenological qualitative study using focus group discussions among 16 purposively selected members of the school management teams were conducted in Mt Frere, Eastern Cape in 2016. The narrative data were analyzed using Tesch’s eight-phase thematic analysis approach. The data analysis revealed two themes (NSNP and the vendor system) and six sub-themes. The NSNP was viewed as making a significant contribution to children’s food security, thereby improving academic output. However, reengineering of the NSNP was needed through improved budgeting and inclusion of breakfast in the menu to control NCDs risk factors. The current implementation of the vendor system did not support reduction of NCDs risk factors. Improved implementation of the guide to the vendor system is needed.
Highlights
In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) accounted for around 41 million of all worldwide deaths, of which 77% came from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) [1]
Non-communicable diseases are on the rise because of a variety of factors, including unhealthy, low-quality diets; excessive and unbalanced intake leads to overweight and obesity, both of which are risk factors for NCDs [5]
The data for this study were collected from two focus group discussions (FGDs) with a total of 16 participants from school management teams in Mt Frere, Eastern Cape province
Summary
In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) accounted for around 41 million (or 71%) of all worldwide deaths, of which 77% came from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) [1]. Non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, some respiratory diseases, and cancers are reported to have the potential of increasing exponentially by the year 2040, especially in LMICs, and will account for many premature deaths [4]. Non-communicable diseases are on the rise because of a variety of factors, including unhealthy, low-quality diets; excessive and unbalanced intake leads to overweight and obesity, both of which are risk factors for NCDs [5]. Poor quality diets, and malnutrition are reported as the major risk factor for NCDs and
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