title: Assessment of food, nutrition, and physical activity practices in Oklahoma child-care centers.
abstract: The purpose of the current study was to determine the obesogenic practices in all-day child-care centers caring for preschool-aged children. This study used a cross-sectional, self-reported survey mailed to centers across Oklahoma (n=314). Frequency of responses and χ(2) were calculated comparing region and star rating. Items where the majority of centers frequently report best practices include: daily fruits served (76%), daily nonfried vegetables served (71%), rarely/never served sugary drinks (92%), rarely/never used food to encourage good behaviors (88%), staff join children at table most of the time (81%), staff rarely eat different foods in view of children (69%), visible self-serve or request availability of water (93%), regular informal communication about healthy eating (86%), opportunities for outdoor play (95%), not withholding activity for punishment (91%), accessible play equipment (59% to 80% for different types of equipment), and minimization of extended sitting time (78%). Practices where centers can improve include increasing variety of vegetables (18%), reducing frequency of high-fat meats served (74% serve more than once per week), increasing high-fiber and whole-grain foods (35% offer daily), serving style of "seconds" (28% help kids determine whether they are still hungry), nonfood holiday celebrations (44% use nonfood treats), having toys and books that encourage healthy eating (27%) and physical activity (25%) in all rooms in the center, a standard nutrition (21%) and physical education (50%) curriculum, and following a written physical activity policy (43%). Practitioners can use these data to develop benchmarks and interventions, as this was the first study to assess statewide obesogenic practices in child care.
authors: Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Laboratory, Department of NutritionalSciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1200 N Stonewall Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73117-1215, USA. susan-sisson@ouhsc.edu
authors: Susan B
authors: SB
authors: Sisson
authors: Janis E
authors: JE
authors: Campbell
authors: Kellie B
authors: KB
authors: May
authors: Danielle R
authors: DR
authors: Brittain
authors: Lisa A
authors: LA
authors: Monroe
authors: Shannon H
authors: SH
authors: Guss
authors: Jennifer L
authors: JL
authors: Ladner
mesh_terms: D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002656:Child Day Care Centers / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet / Q000592:standards*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005518:Food Preferences; D005522:Food Services / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D009825:Oklahoma / Q000453:epidemiology; D010988:Play and Playthings; D012931:Social Environment