State Agency Support of Weight-Related School Policy Implementation.

Abstract

In this study, we describe state agency strategies to support weight-related policy implementation in schools, and examine the association among state support, obesity prevalence, and strength of state policies governing school nutrition and physical education. The 2012 School Health Policies and Practices Study describes prevalence of implementation support state agencies provided to schools/districts. Implementation support items were analyzed by weight-related policy area (eg, advertising, wellness policy) and by type of support (eg, technical assistance). Results were summed to create a total weight-related policy support score. Linear regression was used to examine associations between policy support and state youth obesity prevalence (2011-2012 National Survey for Children's Health), overall and stratified by state policy strength (2012 Classification of Laws Associated with School Students). States provided support most commonly for school meals and wellness policies (89% and 81%, respectively) and least often for after-school PE (26%). Most states (80%) provided technical assistance. The total weight-related policy support score had a significant positive association with state-level youth overweight/obesity prevalence (p = .03). State agencies appear to be responding to their youth obesity prevalence with technical support. Schools and state agencies should work in collaboration to provide a healthy school environment for all students.