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Measurement Methods Used to Assess the School Food Environment: A Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Siobhan O’Halloran

    (Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, 0317 Oslo, Norway)

  • Gabriel Eksteen

    (Division Human Nutrition, University of Cape Town, UCT Medical Campus, Cape Town 7925, South Africa)

  • Mekdes Gebremariam

    (Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, 0317 Oslo, Norway)

  • Laura Alston

    (Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Faculty of Health, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong VIC 3217, Australia
    Deakin Rural Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong VIC 3217, Australia)

Abstract

Children consume approximately half of their total daily amount of energy at school. Foods consumed are often energy-dense, nutrient-poor. The school food environment represents an effective setting to influence children’s food choices when dietary habits are established and continue to track into adulthood. The aim of this review was to: (1) group methods used for assessing the school food environment according to four food environment dimensions: Physical, economic, socio-cultural and policy and (2) assess the quality of the methods according to four criteria: Comprehensiveness, relevance, generalizability and feasibility. Three databases were searched, and studies were used to assess food and beverages provided at school canteens, tuck shops or cafeterias were included. The review identified 38 global studies (including 49 methods of measuring the food environment). The physical environment was the primary focus for 47% of articles, aspects of policy environment was assessed by 37% articles and a small number of studies assessed the economic (8%) and socio cultural (8%) environment. Three methods were rated ‘high’ quality and seven methods received ‘medium’ quality ratings. The review revealed there are no standardized methods used to measure the school food environment. Robust methods to monitor the school food environment across a range of diverse country contexts is required to provide an understanding of obesogenic school environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Siobhan O’Halloran & Gabriel Eksteen & Mekdes Gebremariam & Laura Alston, 2020. "Measurement Methods Used to Assess the School Food Environment: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-23, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:5:p:1623-:d:327715
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. repec:mpr:mprres:6158 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. repec:mpr:mprres:6160 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Laura Alston & Nicholas Crooks & Claudia Strugnell & Liliana Orellana & Steven Allender & Claire Rennie & Melanie Nichols, 2019. "Associations between School Food Environments, Body Mass Index and Dietary Intakes among Regional School Students in Victoria, Australia: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-13, August.
    4. Mary Kay Fox & Allison Hedley Dodd & Ander Wilson & Philip M. Gleason, 2009. "Association Between School Food Environment and Practices and Body Mass Index of US Public School Children," Mathematica Policy Research Reports 5434561de1384ada875d93f18, Mathematica Policy Research.
    5. French, S.A. & Story, M. & Fulkerson, J.A. & Gerlach, A.F., 2003. "Food Environment in Secondary Schools: À La Carte, Vending Machines, and Food Policies and Practices," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 93(7), pages 1161-1167.
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    Cited by:

    1. Audrey Elford & Cherice Gwee & Maliney Veal & Rati Jani & Ros Sambell & Shabnam Kashef & Penelope Love, 2022. "Identification and Evaluation of Tools Utilised for Measuring Food Provision in Childcare Centres and Primary Schools: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1, March.
    2. Joy Mauti & Isabel Mank & Jan-Walter De Neve & Guillaume Alfred Gyengani & Paul-André Somé & Sachin Shinde & Wafaie Fawzi & Till Bärnighausen & Alain Vandormael, 2021. "The Food and Health Environment in Junior Secondary Schools in Urban Burkina Faso: A Cross-Sectional Study of Administrators, Food Vendors and Early Adolescents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-16, December.

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