O-75 Exploring stakeholders’ perceptions on the implementation of a school nutrition policy in a Small Island Developing State: the Barbados case study

Methods: A qualitative study underpinned by an interpretivist approach was conducted among purposively selected stakeholders, including school staff, parents, canteen concessionaires, policy advocates, and policymakers. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of the West Indies IRB and the Ministry of Education. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted across public and private secondary schools in Barbados. Purposive sampling continued until thematic saturation was reached, defined as no new substantive issues emerging from successive interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis with constant comparison supported by Atlast ti software.

Results: A total of 50 stakeholders participated in the study, including school staff (n=15), parents (n=18), canteen concessionaires (n=11), policy advocates (n=4), and policymakers (n=2). Four organizing themes emerged: (1) policy leadership, institutional support, and enforcement; (2) stakeholder engagement and inclusivity; (3) economic and structural determinants of policy adoption; and (4) psychosocial influences on dietary behaviours. Strong school leadership facilitated compliance, while weak enforcement undermined consistency. Stakeholders reported limited consultation, financial constraints, infrastructural challenges, and widespread access to unhealthy foods outside school premises. Implementation conditions varied across schools and concessionaires, reflected in uneven support, variable resources, and pragmatic compliance. Cultural norms, taste preferences, and affordability strongly shaped acceptance of healthier options.

Conclusion: Implementation of the BSNP is shaped by interconnected leadership, economic, structural, and sociocultural factors. Strengthening enforcement mechanisms, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and addressing affordability and food access are critical for sustainable implementation. Findings highlight the need for context-sensitive, participatory approaches to school nutrition policy implementation in Small Island Developing States, such as Barbados.