| Sign In to gain access to subscriptions and/or personal tools. |
Reducing Hunger-Associated Symptoms: The Midmorning Nutrition BreakNancy M. Sweeney, RN, DNSc, is assistant professor at the San Diego State University School of Nursing, San Diego, CA
Joanne Tucker is a nutritionist and the Food Services marketing coordinator for San Diego City Schools, San Diego, CA
Brenda Reynosa, RD, MBA, is the Menu Systems Development dietitian for San Diego City Schools, San Diego, CA
Dale Glaser, PhD, is the principal of Glaser Consulting, San Diego, CA, and a lecturer at San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, and University of San Diego, San Diego, CA This study measured the effectiveness of a 9 a.m. nutrition break after it had been implemented for 1 academic year at an inner-city high school. Effectiveness was measured by student participation rates, student and teacher evaluations of hunger-associated symptoms experienced by students, and teacher evaluations of the effects on the learning environment. Sixty-nine percent of students participated. The most frequently cited reason for nonparticipation was dislike of the food offered (53%), with an additional 15% citing problems with food distribution. As the frequency of participation rose, the frequency of inability to focus, tiredness, stomachache, headache, and midmorning hunger fell. All of the associations were statistically significant except for headache. Seventy-four percent of staff stated that the nutrition break had positive effects on the learning environment, and 71% referred fewer students to the school nurse.
Key Words: adolescent nutrition • breakfast consumption • health • school breakfast
The Journal of School Nursing, Vol. 22, No. 1,
32-39 (2006) |
||||
 |
|
|
 |
|
Sign In to gain access to subscriptions and/or personal tools.
