title: Adolescent obesity prevention in Botswana: beliefs and recommendations of school personnel.
abstract: The study's objectives were to gain school personnel's (1) perceptions on diet, physical activity, body size, and obesity, (2) description of school food and physical activity practices, and (3) recommendations for programs to prevent adolescent obesity. The study took place in six junior secondary schools of varying socioeconomic status in Gaborone, Botswana. Using a qualitative descriptive design, semistructured interviews were conducted with key school personnel. Directed content analysis was used to summarize the findings. School personnel believed that obesity was an important problem. They felt that school food was unhealthy and that physical activity was provided insufficiently. Participants shared enthusiasm for a school-based health-promoting intervention that must be fun and include active engagement and education on healthy lifestyles for all students. Participants supported on-site food shop inventory changes and physical activity programs. Potential barriers listed were schools' financial resources, interest of students, and time limitations of all involved.
authors: School of Nursing, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
authors: Sheila
authors: S
authors: Shaibu
authors: Joanna E
authors: JE
authors: Holsten
authors: Nicolas
authors: N
authors: Stettler
authors: Segametsi D
authors: SD
authors: Maruapula
authors: Jose C
authors: JC
authors: Jackson
authors: Leapetswe
authors: L
authors: Malete
authors: George
authors: G
authors: Mokone
authors: Brian H
authors: BH
authors: Wrotniak
authors: Charlene W
authors: CW
authors: Compher
mesh_terms: D000288:Administrative Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001902:Botswana; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D005522:Food Services / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D011594:Psychometrics; D012574:Schools; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012923:Social Class; D012938:Social Perception; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000078329:Workforce