scholarly journals The Healthy Primary School of the Future: A Contextual Action-Oriented Research Approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 2243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina H. M. Bartelink ◽  
Patricia van Assema ◽  
Maria W. J. Jansen ◽  
Hans H. C. M. Savelberg ◽  
Maartje Willeboordse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary School ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Process Data ◽  
Population Process ◽  
The Future ◽  
Oriented Research

Background: Schools can play an important role in promoting children’s health behaviours. A Dutch initiative, ‘The Healthy Primary School of the Future’, aims to integrate health and well-being into the school system. We use a contextual action-oriented research approach (CARA) to study the implementation process. Properties of CARA are its focus on contextual differences and the use of monitoring and feedback to support and evaluate the process of change. The aim of this article is to describe the use of the approach. Methods: Four schools (each with 200–300 children, aged 4–12 years) were included; all located in low socio-economic status areas in the south of the Netherlands. Data collection methods include interviews, observations, questionnaires, and health and behavioural measurements. Research contributions include giving feedback and providing schools with a range of possibilities for additional changes. The contextual data we examine include schools’ health promoting elements, practices of teachers and parents, dominating organisational issues, and characteristics of the student population; process data include the presence of potential barriers to changes. Discussion: CARA is an adaptive research approach that generates knowledge and experiences on how to deal with health promotion in complex systems. We think this approach can set an example for research efforts in comparable initiatives.

scholarly journals One- and Two-Year Effects of the Healthy Primary School of the Future on Children’s Dietary and Physical Activity Behaviours: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 689 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina H.M. Bartelink ◽  
Patricia van Assema ◽  
Stef P.J. Kremers ◽  
Hans H.C.M. Savelberg ◽  
Marije Oosterhoff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Children's Health ◽  
Children’S Health ◽  
The Future ◽  
Quasi Experimental

Schools can help to improve children’s health. The ‘Healthy Primary School of the Future’ (HPSF) aims to sustainably integrate health and well-being into the school system. This study examined the effects of HPSF on children’s dietary and physical activity (PA) behaviours after 1 and 2 years’ follow-up. The study (n = 1676 children) has a quasi-experimental design with four intervention schools, i.e., two full HPSF (focus: nutrition and PA) and two partial HPSF (focus: PA), and four control schools. Accelerometers and child- and parent-reported questionnaires were used at baseline, after 1 (T1) and 2 (T2) years. Mixed-model analyses showed significant favourable effects for the full HPSF versus control schools for, among others, school water consumption (effect size (ES) = 1.03 (T1), 1.14 (T2)), lunch intake of vegetables (odds ratio (OR) = 3.17 (T1), 4.39 (T2)) and dairy products (OR = 4.43 (T1), 4.52 (T2)), sedentary time (ES = −0.23 (T2)) and light PA (ES = 0.22 (T2)). Almost no significant favourable effects were found for partial HPSF compared to control schools. We conclude that the full HPSF is effective in promoting children’s health behaviours at T1 and T2 compared with control schools. Focusing on both nutrition and PA components seems to be more effective in promoting healthy behaviours than focusing exclusively on PA.

scholarly journals Designing user-centred mHealth initiatives to promote healthy behaviours for children with disabilities: A feasibility/pilot study of the Jooay App (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keiko Shikako-Thomas ◽  
Ebele RI Mogo ◽  
Valerie Grand-Maison ◽  
Robert Simpson ◽  
Lesley Pritchard-Wiart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Children With Disabilities ◽  
Underserved Populations ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Action Research Approach

BACKGROUND The gap between research and its practical application in community settings limits its impact on public health. Closing this gap has the potential to improve the well-being of underserved groups, such as children with disabilities. Mobile health holds promise in closing this gap by helping underserved populations build community and improve their access to community resources and supports that can lead to improved health behaviours. OBJECTIVE In this feasibility pilot, we describe the development of the mobile app, Jooay. Jooay was developed in partnership with stakeholders to facilitate access to leisure and physical activity community programs for children and youth with disabilities. We also reflect on the lessons learned throughout the implementation process that are relevant for improving health behaviours for children with disabilities. METHODS We used a participatory action research approach in the development of the app. We also administered a cross-sectional survey to current Jooay users and analysed various app usage indicators to explore use patterns and user feedback and preferences. Finally, we critically appraised the implementation process, using the best practices for implementation research by Peters et al. (2013). RESULTS Our analysis of usage data revealed that access to the Jooay app is concentrated in urban areas. Perceptions, attitudes, and information needs varied according to the type of user. Use of the mobile app changes over time, with usage decreasing after download, showing a need for sustained engagement of app users. Users found value in using the app to identify activities they would not otherwise know about. However, app use alone was not enough to improve participation. We also encountered challenges with survey recruitment and attrition, suggesting the need for more seamless and engaging means for data collection within this population. CONCLUSIONS Using the information gained from this study, we intend to improve the next iteration of the Jooay app to sustain user engagement and behaviour change. We will also conduct a larger study assessing the relationship between urban design and access to inclusive and adaptive leisure programs. This study will inform the improvement of app listings and an understanding of the different user groups.

scholarly journals Unravelling the Effects of the Healthy Primary School of the Future: For Whom and Where Is It Effective?

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Bartelink ◽  
Patricia van Assema ◽  
Stef Kremers ◽  
Hans Savelberg ◽  
Dorus Gevers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary School ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Lower Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Whole School ◽  
Lower Socioeconomic ◽  
The Future ◽  
Home Context ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
At Home

The ‘Healthy Primary School of the Future’ (HPSF) aims to integrate health and well-being within the whole school system. This study examined the two-year effects of HPSF on children’s dietary and physical activity (PA) behaviours at school and at home and investigated whether child characteristics or the home context moderated these effects. This study (n = 1676 children) has a quasi-experimental design with four intervention schools, i.e., two full HPSF (focus: nutrition and PA), two partial HPSF (focus: PA), and four control schools. Measurements consisted of accelerometry (Actigraph GT3X+) and questionnaires. Favourable effects on children’s dietary and PA behaviours at school were found in the full HPSF; in the partial HPSF, only on PA behaviours. Children in the full HPSF did not compensate at home for the improved health behaviours at school, while in the partial HPSF, the children became less active at home. In both the full and partial HPSF, less favourable effects at school were found for younger children. At home, less favourable effects were found for children with a lower socioeconomic status. Overall, the effect of the full HPSF on children’s dietary and PA behaviours was larger and more equally beneficial for all children than that of the partial HPSF.

scholarly journals The Italian well-being: a race against time

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Cuccaro ◽  
D Bezzini ◽  
M C Vaccaro ◽  
V Coletta ◽  
G Messina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Education ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Social Stress ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Work Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
The Future

Abstract Background Well-being is the result of many factors such as health, happiness, expectations, values. Italy has been one of European countries that in recent years has suffered most combination of economic, political and social stress, with consequences on well-being. The aims of study are i) to examine health and happiness perceptions of young adults ii) to compare actual results with a previous survey conducted in 2004. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between Jan-Dec 2017. A validated questionnaire was administered from the Italian Centre for Social Investment (CENSIS) to 1,003 young Italians, aged 18-40. The anonymous questionnaire investigated emotional aspects, health status, social life and socioeconomic status. The statistical analysis (chi-square p < 0.05) was carried out to evaluate the association between the items of the questionnaire and variables such as age, sex, education level, income, work status, Marital Status (MS), Self-Confidence (SC), social-life. Results The sample resulted quite happy (2017 vs 2004:56.1% vs 63.7%), the happiness increasing with the socio-economic level and appearing to be related to work status, MS, SC and income (p < 0.05). Good or excellent health were reported by 89.8% (2004:86.1%) with a decrease in older age, and significant differences for all studied variables (excluded MS). Although the majority declared to be satisfied with their social life (2017 vs 2004:73.4% vs 85.7%) and economic status (2017 vs 2004:49.8% vs 70.7%), the future still seems uncertain, with respondents unabled to make predictions about work (2017 vs 2004:49.9% vs 19.8%) or when having children (2017 vs 2004:44.6% vs 61.2%). Conclusions Quality of life of Italians is still satisfactory, with a good degree of happiness and health, despite a clear decrease compared to 2004. The survey highlights that young people continue to perceive the future as uncertain, mainly due to job instability, with difficulty planning their lives. Key messages In ten years the Italian well-being has been reduced, despite the perceived level of happiness and health still being positive. The lack of job opportunities, the awareness of employment instability are the main causes of the lack of confidence in the future.

scholarly journals Pesten op ‘De Gezonde Basisschool van de Toekomst’: een exploratief onderzoek

Pedagogiek ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-117
Author(s):  
Saskia van Run ◽  
Onno van Schayck ◽  
Eline Urlings ◽  
Karien Coppens ◽  
Bjorn Winkens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary School ◽  
Lifestyle Intervention ◽  
School Environment ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Conflict Behavior ◽  
Positive Side ◽  
The Future ◽  
Health Promoting

Abstract Bullying on ‘the Healthy Primary School of the Future’: An explorative studyTo improve the well-being and health of students, several Dutch schools currently implement health promoting lifestyle interventions. To which degree these interventions influence bullying behavior in the school setting is unknown. This mixed methods study examines the influence of a lifestyle intervention at four primary schools (The Healthy Primary School of the Future; HPSF) on bullying. A longitudinal survey among 6th grade students indicated some decrease in bullying at intervention schools compared to control schools (p = .041). Interviews and focus groups conducted with school staff of the intervention schools reveal a decrease in conflicts between children, which most likely also affects bullying. According to the staff, the structural aspects of HPSF create a safer school environment with less opportunity for conflict behavior. This study demonstrates a possible positive (side) effect of a lifestyle intervention on conflicts and bullying. Further research is needed to confirm these observations.

scholarly journals Can the socioeconomic level influence the characteristics of a group of hypertensive patients?

2007 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 929-935 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luzi Faleiros Taveira ◽  
Angela Maria Geraldo Pierin
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Primary School ◽  
High Blood Pressure ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Treatment Interruption ◽  
Socioeconomic Level ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Hypertensive Patients ◽  
Attitudes And Knowledge

A total of 440 hypertensive patients participated in the study (57 years old ±12, 66% women, 51% white, 57% married, 52% with primary school and 44% with income from 1 to 3 minimum salaries) to characterize biosocial, beliefs, attitudes and knowledge variables, absence to consultation and treatment interruption, and to associate the socioeconomic level to the variables studied. An index of accumulated goods, from the possession of household appliances converted in minimum salaries/mo., was elaborated in order to evaluate the economic status. The hypertensive people who disagreed with "there is nothing you can do to prevent high blood pressure" presented significantly higher levels of accumulated goods; those who affirmed never getting late to their consultations presented lower levels of accumulated goods; in the subjective well-being evaluation, sadness was associated to a lower accumulated goods index (p<0,05). Results showed that low economic status was associated with factors that can influence the attitude and adherence to anti-hypertensive treatment.

The Changing Context of Transport and Infrastructure Policy

1988 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
H J Noortman
Keyword(s):  
Social Activity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Political Context ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Life Styles ◽  
Infrastructure Policy ◽  
Economic Trends ◽  
Technological Developments ◽  
Oriented Research

In the article the author describes the interdependencies of transport and communications with patterns of economic and social activity. Some relevant interconnections and changes in the most important components are grouped under four headings: Economic trends, trends in technological developments, changes in life-styles, and changes in the overall political context. The results of the combined trends are not completely in line with the ideas which many people have about economic and social well-being. As transport and communications play a key role in the process of development, some basic changes in transport and infrastructure policy are recommended. In order for policy-oriented research to provide a better back-up, some important changes in, and a broadening of, the research approach seem further desirable.

scholarly journals Can the Healthy Primary School of the Future offer perspective in the ongoing obesity epidemic in young children? A Dutch quasi-experimental study

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. e030676 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina H M Bartelink ◽  
Patricia van Assema ◽  
Stef P J Kremers ◽  
Hans H C M Savelberg ◽  
Marije Oosterhoff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Obesity Epidemic ◽  
The Future ◽  
Quasi Experimental

ObjectivesSchools play an important role in promoting healthy behaviours in children and can offer perspective in the ongoing obesity epidemic. The ‘Healthy Primary School of the Future’ (HPSF) aims to improve children’s health and well-being by enhancing school health promotion. The current study aims to assess the effect of HPSF on children’s body mass index (BMI) z-score after 1 and 2 years follow-up and to investigate whether HPSF has different effects within specific subgroups of children.DesignA longitudinal quasi-experimental design.SettingFour intervention and four control schools participated; located in a low socioeconomic status region in the Netherlands.Participants1676 children (aged 4–12 years).InterventionsHPSF uses a contextual systems approach and includes health-promoting changes in the school. Central to HPSF is the provision of a daily healthy lunch and structured physical activity sessions each day. Two intervention schools implemented both changes (full HPSF), two intervention schools implemented only the physical activity change (partial HPSF).Main outcome measuresBMI z-score, determined by measurements of children’s height and weight at baseline, after 1 and 2 years follow-up.ResultsThe intervention effect was significant after 1-year follow-up in the partial HPSF (standardised effect size (ES)=−0.05), not significant in the full HPSF (ES=−0.04). After 2 years follow-up, BMI z-score had significantly decreased in children of both the full HPSF (ES=−0.08) and the partial HPSF (ES=−0.07) compared with children of the control schools, whose mean BMI z-score increased from baseline to 2 years. None of the potential effect modifiers (gender, baseline study year, socioeconomic status and baseline weight status) were significant.ConclusionsHPSF was effective after 1 and 2 years follow-up in lowering children’s BMI z-scores. No specific subgroups of children could be identified who benefitted more from the intervention.Trial registration numberNCT02800616.

scholarly journals The Role of Psychological Sense of School Membership and Postcode as Predictors of Profiles of Socio-emotional Health in Primary School Children in England

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 284-295
Author(s):  
Susana Castro-Kemp ◽  
Olympia Palikara ◽  
Carolina Gaona ◽  
Vasiliki Eirinaki ◽  
Michael J. Furlong
Keyword(s):  
Primary School ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Well Being ◽  
School Belonging ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
School Membership ◽  
Psychological Sense ◽  
Health Profiles

Abstract A dual approach to mental health in schools has been widely defended, where the assessment of psychological distress and the examination of strengths/well-being are two separate continua. In line with a well-being approach, school belonging has been referenced as an important indicator of mental health in children. This study explored the predictive role of school sense of belonging alongside other demographic variables (gender, main language spoken at home, and socio-economic status of postcode) on the socio-emotional health profiles of primary school children in England. Children (N = 522) were recruited from three primary schools in Greater London. A survey including measures of school belonging and socio-emotional health was administered to all children. Results showed that it is possible to identify groups of students at primary school level based on socio-emotional health ratings on gratitude, zest, optimism, and perseverance. School sense of membership, as measured by the psychological sense of school membership primary (PSSM-P), was the best predictor of group membership and, together with socio-economic status, explains 37% of the variance in socio-emotional health profiles. Belonging starts affecting well-being and socio-emotional health as early as in primary school, hence the importance of universal screening and early preventive actions to promote well-being in this age range. The study provides evidence supporting the use of the abbreviated (PSSM-P) in predicting socio-emotional health profiles, with potential to complement distress-based measures.

scholarly journals Application of TBLT in Primary School Classes--A Case Study of the Fourth Primary School in Awati County

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
Li Ma
Keyword(s):  
Primary School ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching Method ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Key Characteristics ◽  
The Future ◽  
Underlying Causes

As a national event, education is important issue, which has an influence on thousands of generations. How to teach students to learn knowledge and apply it at the same time has turns out to be a challenging work for numbers of teachers. To solve this problem, some inspiration could come from a method founded in 1980s, which is also called Task Based Language Teaching. As its key characteristics, TBLT makes students learn the knowledge through using the knowledge. In particular, taking execution and communicating interactively are explored as the method to achieve the language learning. This paper investigates the application of the TBLT in the Fourth Primary School in Awati County of Xinjiang. Problems existing in the implementation process are revealed and the underlying causes are analyzed. The results of this study can provide reference for other teachers to use task-based teaching method in the future.

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