Challenges in and Strategies for the Surveillance of School Health Policies and Practices: A Commentary

Brener, Nancy D.; Wechsler, Howell; Kann, Laura

doi:10.1111/josh.12204

Cited by 6 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Surveillance systems can provide data to address these gaps, but it is difficult to evaluate changes in obesity prevalence resulting from specific policy measures. For example, the SHPPS collects data from a representative sample of schools approximately every six years, the latest data collection taking place in 2014 (10,17). Although the SHPPS has been useful in mapping school policies, the data have limited utility for several reasons: (a) Data are not collected at a local level, (b) the time period between data collections is lengthy, and (c) child BMI data are not collected concurrently.…”

Section: Evaluating Obesity Prevention Effortsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Surveillance Systems to Track and Evaluate Obesity Prevention Efforts

Hoelscher

Ranjit

Pérez

2017

Annu. Rev. Public Health

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To address the obesity epidemic, the public health community must develop surveillance systems that capture data at levels through which obesity prevention efforts are conducted. Current systems assess body mass index (BMI), diet, and physical activity behaviors at the individual level, but environmental and policy-related data are often lacking. The goal of this review is to describe US surveillance systems that evaluate obesity prevention efforts within the context of international trends in obesity monitoring, to identify potential data gaps, and to present recommendations to improve the evaluation of population-level initiatives. Our recommendations include adding environmental and policy measures to surveillance efforts with a focus on addressing underserved populations, harmonizing existing surveillance systems, including more sensitive measures of obesity outcomes, and developing a knowledgeable workforce. In addition, the widespread use of electronic health records and new technologies that allow self-quantification of behaviors offers opportunities for innovative surveillance methods.

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Section: Evaluating Obesity Prevention Effortsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Surveillance Systems to Track and Evaluate Obesity Prevention Efforts

Hoelscher

Ranjit

Pérez

2017

Annu. Rev. Public Health

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“…This is of particular importance as experiencing a sexual assault younger in life is related to myriad of consequences later in adulthood (Exner-Cortens et al, 2013; Orchowski & Gidycz, 2018). Moreover, more data is needed at a national level to monitor how the United States progresses in areas of health, (Brener et al, 2014) such as sexual health. Indeed, a more detailed, large-scale assessment of sexual assault experiences for adolescents would be fruitful to further inform intervention programs on what types of sexual assault adolescents are experiencing and who is assaulting them.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Drawing from a review of health education policies for states from 2000 to 2016, there was a decrease in schools requiring sexual health education (STD and HIV prevention); however, an increase in required violence prevention (which can include bullying, physical, and sexual violence/abuse; Center for Disease Control, 2016). Yet, just knowing a topic is taught does not mean we understand in what context or how NP21059 that information is presented to adolescents (Brener et al, 2014). Indeed, a recent report found that less than half of high schools required sexual health education to be in line with the National Sexual Education standards and only 37% of teachers reported being mandated to receive professional development related to sexual health (Center for Disease Control, 2016).…”

Section: Sexual Assault Educationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Rates of Forced Sexual Experiences Among High School Students From 2001 to 2019

Marcantonio

Weese

Willis

2022

J Interpers Violence

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Public awareness of sexual assault and initiatives aimed at preventing sexual assault continue to increase over the years. However, whether rates of sexual assault have diminished because of such cultural shifts remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to assess if rates of sexual assault (i.e., forced sex) have changed over the past 18 years for adolescent girls and boys as well as potential differences across racial/ethnic identities. Using nationally representative data from the Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance Survey from 2001 to 2019, we conducted logistic regressions to assess rates of experiences of forced sex by sex and by sex and racial/ethnic identity, while accounting for grade level. Participants included 135,837 high school students. From 2001 to 2019, rates of forced sex maintained for girls; however, there was a decrease over time for boys. For girls, there were inconsistent differences in rates of forced sex by racial/ethnic identities. However, boys who identified as Black, Hispanic, Multi-Racial, and Other Race/Ethnicity were at higher risk to report forced sex than their White peers, until 2015; only Other Race/Ethnicity was at higher risk in 2019. As girls and boys aged, the risk of forced sex increased. Despite prevention efforts, rates of forced sex did not decrease from 2001 to 2019 for adolescent girls disregarding race/ethnicity, and for racial/ethnic minority boys. That rates of forced sex continue to be high is problematic as experiencing sexual assault at an earlier age is associated with myriad consequences. Further, results suggest current prevention initiatives may be inadequate at addressing risk factors for forced sex, and more broadly, sexual assault. Moving forward, researchers and educators may want to re-evaluate the strategies used to address and measure sexual assault experiences.

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“…The contradictory responses from some schools where there was more than one response also suggest potential respondent biases. It is not straightforward to monitor policies and practices in schools 25 . Email surveys generally get lower surveys than postal ones; some schools may not have been able to access Survey Monkey, others may have chosen not to as a health survey is of low priority to schools.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Regional survey supports national initiative for ‘water‐only’ schools in New Zealand

Mansoor

Ali

Richards

2017

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health

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Objective: To support a national initiative to remove sugary drinks from schools and limit drinks to water or unflavoured milk ('water-only'). Methods:We emailed all 201 schools with primary school aged children in the Greater Wellington region with a survey on (1) current status of, (2) support needs for, and (3) barriers to or lessons learned from, a 'water-only' school policy. Results:Only 78 (39%) of schools responded. Most supported 'water-only': 22 (28%) had implemented a policy; 10 (13%) in process of doing so; 22 (28%) were considering it; and 12 (15%) were 'water-only' , but did not have a policy. Only 12 (15%) were not considering a 'wateronly' policy. The main barrier reported was lack of community and/or family support. Many schools did not see any barriers beyond the time needed for consultation. Monitoring and communication were identified as key to success. A quarter of schools requested public health nurse support for a 'water-only' policy. Conclusions:The survey elicited a range of views on 'water-only' policies for schools, but suggests that 'water-only' may be an emerging norm for schools.Implications for public health: Our survey shows how local assessment can support a national initiative by providing a baseline, identifying schools that want support, and sharing lessons. Making schools 'water-only' could be a first step in changing our children's environment to prevent obesity.

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Challenges in and Strategies for the Surveillance of School Health Policies and Practices: A Commentary

Cited by 6 publications

References 4 publications

Surveillance Systems to Track and Evaluate Obesity Prevention Efforts

Surveillance Systems to Track and Evaluate Obesity Prevention Efforts

Rates of Forced Sexual Experiences Among High School Students From 2001 to 2019

Regional survey supports national initiative for ‘water‐only’ schools in New Zealand

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