Digital Photography-Assisted Weighing to Conduct Plate Waste Audits in Elementary Schools: Research Assistants' Perspectives and Experiences
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Research assistants found digital photography-assisted weighing (DPAW) feasible for school lunch waste audits. Despite needing better training and school coordination, they recommend this method for similar population health studies.
Area Of Science
- Population Health
- Nutrition Research
- Intervention Studies
Background
- The Good Food for Learning Project implemented a school lunch program in Saskatoon elementary schools.
- Assessing student food consumption is crucial for evaluating such programs.
- Digital photography-assisted weighing (DPAW) is a novel but potentially labor-intensive method for plate waste audits.
Purpose Of The Study
- To evaluate the practicality of using DPAW plate waste audits in elementary schools.
- To gather insights from research assistants (RAs) and supervisors on DPAW implementation.
- To identify challenges and facilitators for using DPAW in school settings.
Main Methods
- Semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted with 11 RAs and research supervisors.
- Participants were involved in data collection during the 2021 and 2023 phases of the project.
- Thematic analysis, using a hybrid deductive and inductive coding approach, was applied to interview data.
Main Results
- Most RAs expressed a need for improved in-person training and better coordination with school staff.
- Despite challenges, the majority of RAs indicated they would recommend DPAW for similar research.
- RAs generally supported the feasibility of DPAW plate waste audits in elementary schools.
Conclusions
- DPAW plate waste audits are considered feasible for elementary school settings.
- Addressing challenges in training and school coordination is necessary for optimal implementation.
- The study highlights RA support for DPAW, suggesting its potential utility in future school-based nutrition research.

