Health behavior studies in Hungarian schools

Abstract

Background: Nowadays, there is no verified information neither about the realized form nor about the quality of comprehensive school health promotion implemented in the recent years in the education system. The aim of the publication is to provide a general (mainly descriptive) overview of the methods and the results of the research titled „Healthy lifestyle research and survey in schools”. Methods:The research consisted of three separate surveys implemented in 288 primary schools of the convergence regions. The firstsurvey called intervention study aimed to detect the changes in knowledge and attitudes among 3rd, 5thand 7thgrade students (n=13 625) and teachers (n=586) surveyed prior and after the implementation of health promotion program elements.iiIn the second study, the motion patterns of pupils (n=175) was recorded and analysed with motion sensor devices. In the third study, the school health culture was surveyed with online questionnaires among school principals (n=535), teachers (n=569) and school health professionals (n=400). Results:Based onthe results of the intervention research, change was not detectable in knowledge and attitudes of students due to the health promotion interventions. Nevertheless, it was detected in the case of teachers. According to the results of the motion sensor survey, the physical activity of students was deemed to be rather low. The results of the health culture survey confirmed that the school professionals were basically satisfied with the school atmosphere. However, most of them complained about overburdening (67%). Furthermore, they were convinced that more improvements are necessary in several fields (eg. trainings, infrastructure).Conclusions:In order to reach health related positive changes in communities and individuals, additional long-term health promotion activities involving several partners are needed. Not only the pupils and their teachers, but parents and other external institutions and organisations affecting the school life should be partners in these activities. Based on the deficiencies and difficulties identified by the research, target areas and action points can be designated, which respond to the current situation and suit the institutional environment, thus, result in a more effective health promotion.