The Need for a School-based Student Obesity Prevention Program: Perceptions of Rural Elementary Principals

Travis D Armstrong,Clementine Msengi,Sandra Harris

doi:10.35608/ruraled.v38i2.223

Abstract

This phenomenological study investigated the perceptions of elementary principals regarding the need for a school-based student obesity prevention at eight, rural elementary schools in North Central Texas. Face to face interviews were the primary method of data collection from the eight participants. Findings indicated that school-based obesity prevention programs are needed to decrease the occurrence of student obesity, improve student diets and health related behaviors, educate families on obesity prevention measures, and improve the academic performance of students. The need to inform and include relevant stakeholders in the creation and implementation of school-based obesity prevention programs was identified as an essential component to the success of the program. The findings provide school leaders with components needed for an effective school-based obesity prevention program along with barriers for consideration.

Highlights

This phenomenological study investigated the perceptions of elementary principals regarding the need for a schoolbased student obesity prevention at eight, rural elementary schools in North Central Texas
An alias name was used for each participant and the school. The purpose of this phenomenological narrative study was to explore the need for the school to implement student obesity prevention programs as perceived by rural school principals
Research question one investigated why school leaders perceived the need for a school-based obesity prevention program on their campus

Summary

Introduction

This phenomenological study investigated the perceptions of elementary principals regarding the need for a schoolbased student obesity prevention at eight, rural elementary schools in North Central Texas. The findings provide school leaders with components needed for an effective school-based obesity prevention program along with barriers for consideration. Ogden, Carroll, Kit, and Flegal (2014) reported the percentage of children aged 6-11 years in the United States who were obese has increased from 7% in 1980 to nearly 18% in 2012. Other issues include lack of sufficient exercise facilities and infrastructure to encourage physical activity and limited access to healthy and affordable food Nutritional practices such as frequent consumptions of high fat diets, less consumptions of fruits and vegetables lead to higher rated of obesity in rural areas (Stratis Health, 2016). The purpose of this study was to explore the need for the school to implement student obesity prevention programs as perceived by rural school principals. What barriers do school leaders encounter in conducting an obesity prevention program?

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion