High School Student and Caregiver Preferred Communication Method Regarding School Meals: A Qualitative Approach

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND This study examined student and caregiver preference for school communication and explored the feasibility and acceptability of a digital tool to assist with communication about school meal program between schools and families. METHODS The study used qualitative methodology throu...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of school health 2024-01, Vol.94 (1), p.47-56
Main Authors: Mansfield, Dana, Sagan, Dylan, O'Donnell, Alexander J., Takgbajouah, Mary, Loiacono, Bernardo, Clark Withington, Margaret H., Cory, Molly, Buscemi, Joanna
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Access
Adolescent
Breakfast Programs
Caregiver Attitudes
Caregivers
Communication
Computer Mediated Communication
digital tool
Eating behavior
Educational Environment
Feasibility
Feeding Behavior
Focus groups
Grade 9
health communication
Health Promotion
Healthy food
High School Students
Higher Education
Humans
Incentives
Interpersonal Communication
Interviews
Lunch Programs
Meals
Motivation
Preferences
qualitative research
School environment
school meal program
School meals
Schools
Secondary schools
Students
Urban Schools
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:ABSTRACT BACKGROUND This study examined student and caregiver preference for school communication and explored the feasibility and acceptability of a digital tool to assist with communication about school meal program between schools and families. METHODS The study used qualitative methodology through youth focus groups and caregiver semi‐structured phone interviews. The study was conducted in 4 high schools in a large, urban city. The phenomenon of interest included the exploration of preferences regarding communication around school meal programs and feasibility and acceptability of a digital tool for communication and promoting the ordering of healthful foods in the school environment. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed through NVivo qualitative software using thematic analysis approach to examine themes. RESULTS Forty‐seven students (ages 14‐21, grades 9‐12) participated in 7 focus groups and 24 caregivers participated in semi‐structured phone interviews. Three themes emerged around (1) communication preferences, (2) accessibility, and (3) extrinsic motivational factors for engagement in healthy eating behaviors. CONCLUSION Results indicated that communication methods could potentially influence motivation and engagement in youth school meal participation.
ISSN:0022-4391
1746-1561
DOI:10.1111/josh.13407