Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2021 Teachers Perceptions of Using Persuasive Technologies to Prevent and Reduce the Incidence of Childhood Obesity John E. Stephens Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Education Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Education This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by John Edward Stephens has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Carla Lane-Johnson, Committee Chairperson, Education Faculty Dr. Gladys Arome, Committee Member, Education Faculty Dr. Shereeza Mohammed, University Reviewer, Education Faculty Chief Academic Officer and Provost Sue Subocz, Ph.D. Walden University 2021 Abstract Teachers Perceptions of Using Persuasive Technologies to Prevent and Reduce the Incidence of Childhood Obesity by John Edward Stephens MS, University of Phoenix, 2005 BS, Oakwood College, 2003 Doctoral Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Education Walden University May 2021 Abstract Research of middle school health/physical education teachers’ perceptions regarding using technology in educational settings to help prevent and reduce the incidence of childhood overweight and obesity is lacking. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into those perceptions because that insight could be used to encourage teacher promotion of technology-based childhood obesity prevention initiatives in educational settings. Ajzen and Fishbein’s theory of planned behavior was used to support the conceptual framework. The research questions for this study were focused on teachers’ perceptions regarding using technology in educational settings to help prevent and reduce the incidence of childhood overweight and the extent to which teachers are using technology for those purposes. In this generic qualitative study, data were collected from 10 middle school health/physical education teachers using individual interviews. Initial and pattern coding was used to conduct thematic analysis of the data using the constant comparative method. Data relevant to the research questions showed that although some health/physical education teachers do not use technology with their students, in classrooms, other teachers do. Teachers perceive technology can be used in health/physical education settings and are willing to do so although challenges, such as lack of training, do exist. Distance education for health and physical fitness was not successful during the COVID-19 pandemic. If teacher promotion of obesity prevention initiatives can be improved for students in and out of school settings, rates of student obesity could be reduced, which could drive social change in the form of improved mental, emotional, and physical health for children. Teachers Perceptions of Using Persuasive Technologies to Prevent and Reduce the Incidence of Childhood Obesity by John Edward Stephens MS, University of Phoenix, 2005 BS, Oakwood College, 2003 Doctoral Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Education Walden University May 2021 Acknowledgements First, I would like to send out a special thanks to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without him, I never would have made it. The guidance and assistance of my dissertation committee, Dr. Carla Lane- Johnson and Dr. Gladys A. Arome, have been a priceless blessing, thank you. I also appreciate the feedback provided by university reviewer Dr. Shereeza Mohammed. Even though the journey is finished, the reward is even better. The support from friends and family has enabled me to persevere as a student throughout the program. I would also like to say thanks to my parents, sister, extended family, church family, and to the many friends and loved ones who made this possible, and who inspire me on a daily basis in times of adversity. The inspiration and example given has been allowed me to understand how to endure, be a better role model, teacher, and a better family member and person. Table of Contents List of Tables .................................................................................................................... vii List of Figures .................................................................................................................. viii Chapter 1: Introduction ........................................................................................................1 Background ....................................................................................................................5 Defining Overweight and Obesity ...........................................................................5 The Role of Schools in Preventing and Reducing the Incidence of Obesity ...........7 Technology Use in Schools for Obesity Prevention ..............................................12 Childhood Overweight and Obesity at the Study Site ...........................................14 Need for the Study .................................................................................................17 Problem Statement .......................................................................................................17 Purpose of the Study ....................................................................................................18 Research Questions ......................................................................................................19 Theoretical Framework ................................................................................................19 Nature of the Study ......................................................................................................21 Definitions....................................................................................................................21 Assumptions .................................................................................................................23 Scope and Delimitations ..............................................................................................24 Limitations ...................................................................................................................25 Significance..................................................................................................................28 Summary ......................................................................................................................30 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................32 i Literature Search Strategy............................................................................................34 Theoretical Framework ................................................................................................35 Perceived Behavioral Control ................................................................................36 Attitude ..................................................................................................................38 Subjective Norm ....................................................................................................39 Mediators Between Behavioral Intent and Behavior .............................................40 Prevalence and Factors of Childhood Overweight and Obesity ..................................41 Personal and Internal Factors .................................................................................42 Environmental and External Factors ......................................................................47 Overweight and Obesity Awareness and Prevention Policies .....................................51 Overweight and Obesity Prevention Initiatives and Programs ....................................53 United States ..........................................................................................................53 California ...............................................................................................................55 Improving Public Health Programs .............................................................................58 Considering Sustainability .....................................................................................59 Considering Evidence ............................................................................................60 Disseminating Evidence.........................................................................................61 Using Digital Health and Fitness Technologies in Classrooms .............................62 Positive Influence of Interventions on Childhood Obesity and Related Factors .........62 Impact of Interventions on Physical Activity: General Findings...........................63 Impact of Interventions on Physical Activity: Findings Specific to California ...............................................................................................................64 ii Impact of Interventions on Nutrition Education: General