An evaluation of the implementation of indicators for a healthy weight promoting school among selected schools in Metro Manila.
- Author:
Merlyn G. TAJAN
;
Celeste C. TANCHOCO
;
Ermelita N. BAUTISTA
- Publication Type:Journal Article, Original
- Keywords: IndicatorsHealthy Weight Promoting SchoolEvaluationImplementation
- MeSH: Body Mass Index
- From: Journal of the Philippine Medical Association 2009;88(1):1-11
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background. The school is an ideal venue for preventive control and can be utilized for obesity-risk reduction since children spend significant amount of time in this place of learning. Indicators for healthy weight promoting schools (HwPS) were formulated for Kineti-kids Program to complement nutrition and physical education and behavior. The indicators for HWPS were used as basis to draft an action plan for the implement and monitoring and evaluation of a school's plan to become an HWPS. Objective. This paper aimed to present the result of the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of indicators for a healthy weight promoting school among selected schools in Metro Manila. Methods. The following basic protocols were undertaken: implementation of final indicators (year 1), first year evaluation, implementation of indicators (year 2), and second year evaluation. Results. The program was implemented in selected schools in Metro Manila after which, an evaluation followed after a year implementation. The Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) staff conducted the evaluation of school based on the list of indicators. The evaluation was based on five components of a healthy weight promoting school and rated using the following criteria: fully implemented, partially implemented, intend to implement fully, intend to implement partially, and will not implement/not applicable. The same set of criteria was used when the schools were reevaluated after the second year of implementation. It was found that the schools were able to implement fully and partially all indicators in the component of a healthy weight promoting school. Conclusion and recommendations. Teachers played an important role in the successful implementation of the program. It is hoped that this project will cater to more schools not only in Metro Manila but also in the regions. Following in the indicators as basis for evaluation, the following points were noted: a) to include in the creation of plantilla position the hiring of licensed nutritionist-dietitian who will plan, supervise and monitor the canteen; b) offer more value meals (vegetable, meat, rice); c) improve health and nutrition corner; d) ensure before the start of the class (not done due to lack of time); f) provision of a complete food laboratory; g) adequate equipment and safe space for play and sports; h) provision of a life-size mirror in the clinic and TV set in the waiting area of the clinic; i) allocation of sufficient budget for school and physical activity; j) allocation of funds for continuing education of teachers; k) installation of drinking fountains/areas with portable water; l) installation of wash facilities with soap and water; and m) provision of space for gardens.