Results indicate the possibility for significant variation in nutritional quality of NSLP-qualifying lunches. Using CACFP best practices and DGA recommendations may significantly impact school lunch dietary quality.

BackgroundMilitary spouses are integral to the health of their families, but have demonstrated elevated levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. Participating in health behaviors such as physical activity and healthy eating may have a positive impact on spouses’ physical and mental health, but emerging evidence suggests spouses’ participation in these behaviors is scarce. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the most frequently reported barriers to health behaviors among military spouses.MethodsMilitary spouses were recruited to complete surveys (N = 230) or participate in focus group sessions (N = 22). On the surveys, participants indicated up to 3 of their most frequent barriers to physical activity, diet, social connection, and stress management. Responses were coded and summed to identify the most commonly reported barriers to each health behavior. Subsequently, focus group sessions were conducted to gain a more in-depth understanding of the challenges military spouses face when trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Focus group transcripts were coded using thematic data analysis to identify the most frequently discussed barriers for each behavior.ResultsOn the surveys, lack of time was the most prevalent barrier for physical activity, social connection, and stress management, and the second most prevalent barrier for diet. Financial concerns were the most prevalent barrier to maintaining a healthy diet. Barriers related to parent/family responsibilities were commonly reported across all health behaviors. During the focus group sessions, the transient military lifestyle was reported to have a significant impact on all of the health behaviors. Other military-related stressors including deployments and the necessity to “do it all” alone were frequently discussed. Many participants exhibited rigid definitions of what “counts” as exercise or health eating. Overall, participants reported sacrificing participation in health behaviors to attend to other priorities.ConclusionsMilitary spouses reported numerous barriers to health behaviors that made it difficult for them to prioritize their own health and well-being. Although some of the barriers reported were similar to barriers reported by civilians, unique stressors associated with military life further impeded participation in health behaviors. These findings can be used to inform future health promotion interventions for military spouses.

National School Lunch Program (NSLP) standards recently changed significantly. Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA) presumably improved dietary quality (DQ) of meals, while Child Nutrition Program (CNP) Flexibilities appear to decrease DQ. This variability has not been quantified. Objective: To determine differences in DQ between elementary school lunch menus meeting NSLP standards – School Meal Initiative (SMI), HHFKA, CNP Flexibilities, evidence-based best practices (BP). A base menu was portioned per NSLP standards and analyzed for nutrient content and DQ. Statistical analyses included one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and Dunnett's test. BP menu had higher whole fruit and whole grain Healthy Eating Index scores than SMI (ps < 0.0083). BP and HHFKA menus had higher refined grain and added sugar scores than SMI (ps < 0.0083). SMI menu had lower total vegetable and saturated fat scores than all menus (ps < 0.0083). This study informs policy towards improving standards, positively impacting child health and academic performance through higher DQ lunches.

This study evaluated the accuracy and predictive value of body mass index (BMI) in evaluation of obesity and body fatness. Data on BMI and percent body fat (PBF) were collected on 953 male police officers who were allocated into age groups: 20-29 years, 30-39 years, and 40-49 years. BMI > 30.0 kg/m2 and PBF > 25% were classified as obese, and those with lower values were classified as non-obese. Chi-square was used to evaluate the accuracy in classification in obese and non-obese when officers’ BMI was matched to PBF. Pearson’s correlation and linear regression analyses determined the prediction value of BMI. Chi-square revealed significant difference in obesity prevalence when evaluated by BMI and PBF, with classification accuracy of 44.5%-71.8%, depending on age. BMI had moderate prediction value of body fatness. If the assessment of PBF is not attainable, BMI needs to be used carefully as it is likely to underestimate obesity among police officers.