Cole Amanda, Vidgen Helen, Cleland Phoebe
School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Nutr Diet. 2017 Feb;74(1):105-110. doi: 10.1111/1747-0080.12310. Epub 2016 Sep 7.
The aim of this study was to explore the methods, processes and strategies used by early childhood education and care (ECEC) services when determining the nutritional adequacy of food provided to children in their care.
Semi-structured interviews (n = 22) were conducted with directors, educators and cooks at long day care services (LDCS) (n = 12) regarding nutritional adequacy, the use of tools, guidelines and checklists, menu planning and identification and management of unhealthy foods. A qualitative thematic approach was used to identify anticipated and emergent themes. Case-by-case comparisons were then made, and tables and models were created to allow for comparative analysis.
LDCS relied on personal knowledge, experience and 'common sense' when determining the nutritional adequacy of the food provided to children. LDCS demonstrated a lack of awareness and use of current regulatory requirements, nutrition guidelines and recommendations, although the services were confident in providing nutrition advice to parents/carers.
LDCS staff use personal knowledge and experience over evidence-based nutrition guidelines and recommendations when determining if the food provided to children is nutritionally adequate. ECEC services are recognised as important settings for obesity prevention and the development of lifetime healthy eating habits. This study highlights the complexities and inconsistencies in providing food that is nutritious and appropriate to children in care while highlighting the need to improve the use and accessibility of nutrition guidelines.
本研究旨在探索幼儿教育与照料（ECEC）服务机构在确定其提供给所照料儿童的食物营养充足性时所采用的方法、流程和策略。
针对长期日托服务机构（LDCS）（n = 12）的主管、教育工作者和厨师进行了半结构化访谈（n = 22），内容涉及营养充足性、工具、指南和清单的使用、菜单规划以及不健康食品的识别与管理。采用定性主题分析法来识别预期和新出现的主题。随后进行个案比较，并创建表格和模型以进行对比分析。
长期日托服务机构在确定提供给儿童的食物营养充足性时，依赖个人知识、经验和“常识”。长期日托服务机构对当前监管要求、营养指南和建议缺乏认识和应用，尽管这些服务机构在向家长/照料者提供营养建议方面很有信心。
长期日托服务机构的工作人员在确定提供给儿童的食物是否营养充足时，使用的是个人知识和经验，而非基于证据的营养指南和建议。幼儿教育与照料服务被认为是预防肥胖和培养终身健康饮食习惯的重要场所。本研究凸显了在为所照料儿童提供营养适宜食物方面的复杂性和不一致性，同时强调了改进营养指南的使用和获取途径的必要性。
