TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2015//
TI  - Upgrading preschool environment in a Swedish municipality: evaluation of an implementation process
JO  - Health promotion practice
A1  - Altin, Carolina
A1  - Kvist Lindholm, Sofia
A1  - Wejdmark, Mats
A1  - Lättman-Masch, Robert
A1  - Boldemann, Cecilia
SP  - 583
EP  - 591
VL  - 16
IS  - 4
N2  - Redesigning outdoor preschool environment may favorably affect multiple factors relevant to health and reach many children. Cross-sectional studies in various landscapes at different latitudes have explored the characteristics of preschool outdoor environment considering the play potential triggering combined physical activity and sun-protective behavior due to space, vegetation, and topography. Criteria were pinpointed to upgrade preschool outdoor environment for multiple health outcomes to be applied in local government in charge of public preschools. <br><br>PURPOSEful land use policies and administrative management of outdoor land use may serve to monitor the quality of preschool outdoor environments (upgrading and planning). This study evaluates the process of implementing routines for upgrading outdoor preschool environments in a medium-sized municipality, Sweden, 2008-2011, using qualitative and quantitative analysis. Recorded written material (logs and protocols) related to the project was processed using thematic analysis. Quantitative data (m(2) flat/multileveled, overgrown/naked surface, and fraction of free visible sky) were analyzed to assess the impact of implementation (surface, topography, greenery integrated in play). The preschool outdoor environments were upgraded accordingly. The quality of implementation was assessed using the theory of policy streams approach. Though long-term impact remains to be confirmed the process seems to have changed work routines in the interior management for purposeful upgrading of preschool outdoor environments. The aptitude and applicability of inexpensive methods for assessing, selecting, and upgrading preschool land at various latitudes, climates, and outdoor play policies (including gender aspects and staff policies) should be further discussed, as well as the compilation of data for monitoring and evaluation.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1524-8399
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1524839914566273
ID  - ref1
ER  -