Factors and Barriers Associated with Early Adoption of Nutrition Guidelines in Alberta, Canada

ObjectiveTo identify factors that influenced early adoption and implementation of the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth (ANGCY) in schools in Alberta, Canada; and to identify healthy eating strategies that were implemented as a result of the guidelines. Barriers and facilitators were also investigated.DesignMultiple case study design (n = 3). Semi-structured interviews and direct observations were used to collect data.Setting and ParticipantsThree schools in Alberta were selected for individual case studies. Eighteen key informants were interviewed from the 3 cases.Phenomenon of InterestTo investigate how the motivation shown by school administration and stakeholders for the ANGCY influenced the early adoption and implementation of the guidelines.AnalysisContent analysis was used to analyze data.ResultsVarious healthy eating strategies were implemented within the 3 cases after uptake of the guidelines. Support from the school superintendent and the work of a health champion facilitated the adoption and implementation of the guidelines, whereas parents posed some barriers to the adoption and implementation of the ANGCY.Conclusions and ImplicationsThis study reinforces the importance of identifying a health champion to oversee healthy eating strategies in schools, and of involving parents in the promotion of children's healthy lifestyles.