Universal free school breakfast: a socioecological perspective of breakfast behaviours in a deprived town within the North-West of England, UK.

Abstract

The aim of the current thesis was to undertake a mixed methods investigation into the outcomes associated with a Universal Free School Breakfast (UFSB) programme, from a unique socioecological perspective.

Studies 1 and 2 provided a rich, thick interpretation of the programme from the perspectives of stakeholders. Study 1 explored the views of senior level stakeholders, including issues concerned with the logistics of the USFB scheme and perceived outcomes. Study 2 explored children’s, parents’ and school staffs’ views regarding breakfast and the UFSB programme. It was perceived that the USFB conferred a multitude of benefits for children, families, schools and the community. However, concerns were raised about children consuming a double-breakfast and the provision of sweetened bread items at school breakfast.

Study 3 provided an illustration of children’s and parents’ breakfast behaviours, food intake and attitudes towards breakfast. Results were mixed and conclusive evidence was not provided for an association between attitudes towards breakfast and food intake at home, with the exception of one significant positive correlation between parents’ intake of healthy foods and breakfast attitudes.

Study 4 provided a more in-depth description of children’ breakfast behaviours, and food and nutritional intakes, across seven days. Results showed that almost half of the children sampled consumed a double-breakfast on at least 1 school day. Further analysis showed that average energy and macronutrient intakes increased with the frequency of double-breakfast consumption. However, comparisons with UK Dietary Reference Values (DRVs) indicated that a large proportion of children were consuming < 20% of DRVs, which is the percentage recommended for breakfast consumption, with average intakes of dietary fibre being especially low.

The findings of this thesis highlight key areas of consideration for future research into school breakfast provision, and for practitioners and policy makers involved in the implementation and delivery of school breakfast.