Good practices for childhood obesity prevention in kindergartens and primary schools in Malta

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a worldwide and chronic disease with significant morbidity and mortality which often begins in childhood. Kindergartens and schools are unique settings that may contribute towards the prevention of childhood obesity through ensuring a safe and supportive environment and the development of personal life skills. The aim of this study was to identify good practices, as defined by the Joint Action across Europe on Nutrition and Physical Activity (JANPA), that are effective and sustainable for childhood obesity prevention in kindergarten and primary schools in Malta.

METHODS: This descriptive study design involved the development of an online questionnaire using the nine core criteria of the JANPA toolbox. An operational definition of fulfilling six core criteria was used to qualify an initiative as a good practice. The questionnaire was sent to the Heads of School of all kindergartens and primary schools in Malta. Two researchers independently of each other reviewed the replies for each initiative and assigned one point for each fulfilled core criteria. The total sum of points produced a JANPA core criteria score for that initiative.

RESULTS: The response rate for this study was 21.9%. 24 out of a total of 39 initiatives achieved the operational JANPA core criteria score of 6. Initiatives were grouped into nutrition only, physical activity only, and combined nutrition and physical activity good practices and were described.

CONCLUSIONS: This study identified several good practices that can be extended to other schools across Malta. The survey tool can also be used when designing and implementing new initiatives.