Stakeholder perspectives of an experiential learning program at a children’s museum to promote healthy eating and physical activity

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Encouraging healthy eating and physical activity in children has long-term benefits for their health and development, however many do not meet the requirements for fruit and vegetable consumption, or physical activity. Experiential learning (EL) has been shown to improve children's healthy eating and physical activity-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour. Children's museums provide opportunities for hands-on EL activities that can engage families. This study examined stakeholder perspectives on the perceived feasibility, acceptability, fidelity and impact of an EL health-promoting program in a children's museum. METHODS: A qualitative case study was conducted at the Early Start Discovery Space, a university-based children's museum, in Australia. The study involved implementing a 4-week Healthy Living program comprising EL activities related to food and movement for children aged 0-10 years. Perceived feasibility, acceptability, fidelity and impact were assessed through focus groups and observations. Focus groups (23 participants, 17 caregivers and 6 museum staff) were conducted post-implementation. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. 15 HL sessions were observed throughout implementation. RESULTS: Stakeholders perceived that the HL program was feasible and acceptable. As a result of consultation between researchers and museum staff, the HL program was easily implemented in the museum. Stakeholders suggested that children and their carers enjoyed the HL activities and were engaged in the HL activities. Aspects of fidelity were explored and showed that most sessions were delivered as intended, however, the delivery of the key messages was suboptimal. Perceived changes in children's knowledge, attitudes behaviour relating to healthy eating and physical activity were minimal. CONCLUSIONS: Key stakeholders (museum staff and caregivers) provided insights regarding perceived feasibility and acceptability of the HL program delivered in the children's museum. Preliminary findings highlight the potential of children's museums as a setting for EL health eating and physical activity programs. Further, this study highlights the significance of stakeholder engagement, collaboration, and incorporation of hands-on and enjoyable activities to promote healthy habits in children. Future studies, with larger sample sizes, should be conducted to extend the results from this study.

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