Identification and Evaluation of Tools Utilised for Measuring Food Provision in Childcare Centres and Primary Schools: A Systematic Review

Audrey Elford, Cherice Gwee, Maliney Veal, Rati Jani, Ros Sambell, Shabnam Kashef and Penelope Love
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Audrey Elford: School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
Cherice Gwee: Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
Maliney Veal: Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
Rati Jani: School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
Ros Sambell: School of Medical and Health Sciences, Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA 6027, Australia
Shabnam Kashef: College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia
Penelope Love: School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 7, 1-37

Abstract: Background: Children aged 2–11 years spend significant hours per week in early childhood education and care (ECEC) and primary schools. Whilst considered important environments to influence children’s food intake, there is heterogeneity in the tools utilised to assess food provision in these settings. This systematic review aimed to identify and evaluate tools used to measure food provision in ECEC and primary schools. Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) was followed. Publications (2003–2020) that implemented, validated, or developed measurement tools to assess food provision within ECEC or primary schools were included. Two reviewers extracted and evaluated studies, cross checked by a third reviewer and verified by all authors. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria Checklist (QCC) was used to critically appraise each study. Results: Eighty-two studies were included in the review. Seven measurement tools were identified, namely, Menu review; Observation; Weighed food protocol; Questionnaire/survey; Digital photography; Quick menu audit; and Web-based menu assessment. An evidence-based evaluation was conducted for each tool. Conclusions: The weighed food protocol was found to be the most popular and accurate measurement tool to assess individual-level intake. Future research is recommended to develop and validate a tool to assess service-level food provision.

Keywords: childcare; primary school; food provision measurement; weighed food; menu review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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