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School-Based Health Literacy Programs for Children (2-16 Years): An International Review

Authors :
Nash, Rosie
Patterson, Kira
Flittner, Anna
Elmer, Shandell
Osborne, Richard
Source :
Journal of School Health. Aug 2021 91(8):632-649.
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

Background: Health literacy impacts children's health and educational attainment. Therefore, determining the most appropriate pedagogical design is critical. The long-term health benefits of health literacy for each child's life course further justify this imperative. School-based health literacy programs are of interest internationally. Methods: We brainstormed the search terms and established inclusion/exclusion criteria for this systematic review. We searched 2 databases (CINAHL, ERIC) following PRISMA guidelines. Three authors screened and sorted the findings. Results: We identified 21 relevant studies from 629 retrieved. Few (6/21) studies were situated in the primary school setting. Conclusions: This review found a variety of project designs, evaluation methods, and conceptual models. Descriptive analysis of the final 21 papers highlighted the importance of multicomponent design (whole-of-school and curriculum), cross-curricula integration, professional development for teachers, age of children, role of parents, and role of community. The results of this analysis may inform primary school program design in the future. Schools provide a logical setting for health literacy development. Despite the evidence that adolescence is too late, few studies have been situated in primary schools. Teachers lack confidence to teach health and need ongoing professional development. Parent, child, and community voices are essential for sustained engagement and program success.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0022-4391
Volume :
91
Issue :
8
Database :
ERIC
Journal :
Journal of School Health
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
EJ1302321
Document Type :
Journal Articles<br />Information Analyses
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.13054