A Qualitative Evaluation of the Ontario School Food and Beverage Policy using an Implementation Framework: Lessons Learned

• DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.30.1_supplement.897.8
• Publication Date: 2023-11-26T16:51:37Z
• Authors: Renata Valaitis; Rhona Hanning; Taryn Orava
• Keywords: Promotion (chess); Qualitative property

Introduction With obesity rates rising in Canada, schools have been identified as an ideal setting for health promotion interventions. In 2011, Ontario's School Food and Beverage Policy (P/PM 150) was mandated by the Ministry of Education all province to try improve diets food behaviours youth. Policies introduced a number jurisdictions internationally, but what is not known are best ways implement them. Purpose The purpose this research i) describe school context one Ontario Region, ii) examine, from perspectives multiple stakeholders, process P/PM 150 implementation including perceived challenges/successes with policy its impacts; iii) analyze results relation constructs Damschroder's Consolidated Framework Implementation Research (CFIR). Methods A qualitative interpretive study conducted capture perceptions stakeholders (students, parents, service providers) large, diverse region Ontario, Canada. This consisted 5 provider interviews, 15 stakeholder elementary parent focus groups, 11 student groups. Two surveys were that provided responses open‐ended questions 46 secondary surveys, 1,251 Grade 6–10 students. Focus group open ended survey data analyzed using NVivo 10 analysis software. Results reported on of: food, behaviours, factors influence (including individual, social, macro‐level factors), iv) environments (school, home, community) behaviours. Policy‐specific stakeholders’ knowledge opinions 150, implementation, influencing successes challenges) well outcomes impacts All CFIR better understand how domains described framework related Region. Factors will be presented. These closely aligned CFIR. additional reflected framework: ‘implementation climate outside school’ ‘adaptability inner setting’. Study indicated these significant Peel Region schools. Therefore, should considered further revisions framework, particular where it being used support implementation. Conclusion new policy, found complex many successful uptake stakeholders. While participants discussed challenges negative resulting positive also reported. Those planning policies future need consider comprehensive approaches address potential impact Support or Funding Information Funding: CIHR‐Danone Institute Doctoral Award & Public Health