Use of School Wellness Policy Templates in One Texas Public Health Region

A Mixed‐Methods Analysis

Bibliographic Data

ID21354375
AuthorsJacob Szeszulski (0000-0003-0709-5594, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, corresponding author), Timothy J Walker (0000-0003-3171-5431, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, corresponding author), Sheryl Mccurdy (0000-0003-0526-1608, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, corresponding author), Deanna M Hoelscher (0000-0002-0910-5031, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health, Austin Campus, Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living 1616 Guadalupe St., Suite 6.300 Austin TX USA 78701, corresponding author)
Year2021
Volume91
Issue7
Pages562-573
Publication date2021-07-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of School Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0022-4391 • E-ISSN: 1746-1561
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/josh.13032
PMID33954996
OpenAlexW3158141393
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited21

BACKGROUND: Federal law requires most school districts to develop school wellness policies (SWPs), which state agencies assist in by providing templates. Templates provide standard language, which districts may edit for numerous reasons. We aimed to identify the frequency/consistency of template usage and identify the types of edits districts make when using SWP templates. METHODS: We identified SWPs (N = 117) and templates (N = 2) from districts in 1 Texas public health region. We developed template specific coding guides, which allowed us to examine the frequency SWPs used template text within multiple areas (eg, nutrition goals, reporting). We also collected/categorized SWP edits from the template text and conducted a thematic analysis of locally developed SWPs and SWP templates. RESULTS: Of 117 SWPs, 81.2% used a 2020 template, 13.7% used a 2005 template, and 5.1% created their own SWP. Across template-based SWPs, 44 content edits (0.4 per policy) occurred in 9 categories. Thematic analysis revealed: (1) locally developed SWPs created an informed mission statement linked to their goals; (2) Locally developed SWPs provided details that the current template includes in wellness plans. CONCLUSIONS: Most districts used exact template language when writing their SWP. Adding spaces where districts can specify details could improve SWP content.

Consistency (knowledge bases) · Qualitative research · Sociology · Template · Thematic analysis · Artificial Intelligence · Computer Science · Health Promotion and Cardiovascular Prevention · Psychology · Public Health Policies and Education · School Health and Nursing Education

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