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Applying the School Health Index to a Nationally Representative Sample of Schools

Authors :
Anu Pejavara
Howell Wechsler
Sarah M. Lee
Nancy D. Brener
Mary McKenna
Shannon L. Michael
Linda Crossett
Lisa C. Barrios
Source :
Journal of School Health. 76:57-66
Publication Year :
2006
Publisher :
Wiley, 2006.

Abstract

The School Health Index (SHI) is a self-assessment and planning tool that helps individual schools identify the strengths and weaknesses of their health policies and programs. To determine the percentage of US schools meeting the recommendations in the SHI, the present study analyzed data from the School Health Policies and Programs Study (SHPPS) 2000. The SHPPS 2000 data were collected through computer-assisted personal interviews with faculty and staff in a nationally representative sample of schools. The SHPPS 2000 questions were then matched to SHI items to calculate the percentage of schools meeting the recommendations in 4 areas: school health and safety policies and environment, health education, physical education and other physical activity programs, and nutrition services. Although schools nationwide are meeting a few SHI items in each of these areas, few schools are addressing the entire breadth of items. A more coordinated approach to school health would help schools reinforce health messages.

Details

ISSN :
17461561 and 00224391
Volume :
76
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Journal of School Health
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....4a43eb35f5648664550b1b5b764b2d4c