A randomized controlled trial of the effect of school food and dining room modifications on classroom behaviour in secondary school children

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Adequate nutrition is considered important for learning, but there is little robust research on the association between diet and learning in school-aged children in industrialized countries. This study investigated the effect of tailored modifications to the food and dining experience in secondary schools on learning-related behaviours. Subjects/Methods: In 2008, 12 co-educational secondary schools in England were recruited. Schools were randomly allocated to receive a tailored action plan and support to modify their food provision and dining environment over a 15-week period (intervention or to control). Learning-related behaviours were systematically observed during post-lunchtime classes at all schools. Observations were made by trained observers using a validated protocol to determine whether pupils were 'on-task' (concentrating and alert) or 'off-task' (disruptive or disengaged). Results: In total, 156 pupils were observed (control n ¼ 58, intervention n ¼ 98) at baseline (12 210 and 20 560 observations, control and intervention, respectively) and at follow-up (16 846 and 23 462, respectively). On-task and off-task behaviours were similar across treatment groups at baseline. At follow-up, intervention group pupils were 18% more likely to be on-task (odds ratio (OR) 1.18, 95% confidence interval ((95% CI) 1.05-1.33) and 14% less likely to be off-task (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75-0.98) compared with control group pupils. Conclusions: This study suggests that modifying food provision and the dining environment can improve learning-related behaviours of secondary school pupils in the post-lunch period. This finding supports ongoing investment and interventions by local authorities across the United Kingdom to improve school food and lunchtime dining facilities.

School lunches v. packed lunches: a comparison of secondary schools in England following the introduction of compulsory school food standards

“…Not only will the choice of food affect health but where improvements have been made to lunchtime food, there is some evidence to suggest this has led to an increase in pupils' concentration during the afternoon session (4,5) .…”

Dietary Intake and Plasma Levels of Choline and Betaine in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

“…Classroom behavior is dynamic and can be different across year groups and ages. Previous research has found differences in behavior between older and younger children in the classroom following school lunch manipulations, where younger children tend to be more distracted when working alone with the reverse true for older children and adolescents (Golley et al, 2010;Storey et al, 2011). The influence of gender on behavior is also not considered by most studies.…”

“…There is a lack of studies that use systematic, validated, and reliable coding systems to measure classroom behavior. Two recent studies have demonstrated effects on on-task behavior following school lunch manipulations using a validated observation protocol (Golley et al, 2010;Storey et al, 2011). Future studies investigating the effects of breakfast on behavior should adopt validated and reliable, focused coding schemes to measure classroom behavior.…”

Breakfast, Food Consumption Pattern and Nutritional Status of Students in Public Secondary Schools in Kwara State, Nigeria

“…Several studies on adolescent breakfast skipping attributed this phenomenon to lower socioeconomic status, food deprivation urbanization, long use of cell-phones and other electronic devices especially at night (Burghardt and Devaney, 1995;Hoyland et al, 2012;Pereira et al, 2011;Utter et al, 2007). Adolescents and children are still dependants and they need adequate attention and care in order for them to be able to develop meals and food habits that are healthy and will promote good nutritional status (Lazzeri et al, 2013;Nanney et al, 2011;Storey et al, 2011;Wate et al, 2013). Skipping breakfast and unhealthy food consumption may lead to micro nutrients deficiencies and poor nutritional status (Acham et al, 2012;Hallstrom et al, 2013;Pereira et al, 2011;So et al, 2011).…”