Why it is important to raise awareness and promote healthy behaviours in high school aged students?

Why it is important to raise awareness and promote healthy behaviours in high school aged students?

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Why it is important to raise awareness and promote healthy behaviours in high school aged students?

Why it is important to raise awareness and promote healthy behaviours in high school aged students?

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Open access

Abstract

Objective

Lifestyle preferences are inculcated in childhood and once established, persist into adulthood. The Project PROMoting Health LIteracy in School (i-PROMISe) aims to promote a healthy lifestyle among students for the universal prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes.

Study design

Qualitative study using focus-group-discussions (FGDs) and In-Depth Interviews (IDI).

Method

Project was undertaken in two-phases in two private schools in New Delhi, India. In phase-one, FGDs with students (grades IV to VIII) and IDIs with teachers were conducted to ascertain their perceptions of diabetes prevention and management according to the Health Belief Model. The data was analyzed using a thematic framework method. In phase-two, the resources were pre-tested and participants’ feedback was requested on the duration, quality, and understanding of the resources.

Results

In total, 89 students and 17 teachers participated in phase-one (n = 54 [in FGDs] and n = 5 [in IDIs]) and phase-two (n = 35 students and n = 12 teachers in FGDs). In phase-one, themes that emerged included: diabetes was considered a disease of the elderly; misconceptions about susceptibility to these diseases were common; children were largely aware of measures to prevent these diseases, but barriers to adopting a healthy lifestyle existed. Based on the findings, a comprehensive module was developed, which consisted of a teacher's manual with interactive activities and short films. The resources (teacher's manual and short films) were well received and contributed to a better understanding of diabetes and other NCDs; myths/misconceptions were clarified.

Conclusion

Development of resources using participatory approach can be effective in promoting and reinforcing healthy behaviours among school going children to prevent and control NCDs in schools.

Keywords

Diabetes

NCD

Health belief model

Adolescents

Universal prevention

Lifestyle behaviors

Knowledge

India

Cited by (0)

© 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The Royal Society for Public Health.

Schools also play a role in creating a positive community that enhances a sense of connection and belonging in students. Using a whole school approach, schools can develop a safe and inclusive school environment and promote student mental health and wellbeing. This is best achieved by working in partnership with all members of the school community.

Schools can support students to develop:

  • social and emotional skills and capabilities that promote life-long mental health and wellbeing
  • skills to problem-solve and manage the normal stressors of life
  • healthy relationships and the ability to work cooperatively with others
  • a sense of autonomy and purpose.

The Schools Mental Health Menu is a list of endorsed programs, staff and resources across 3 tiers of support.

Tier 1 activities form a foundation for Tier 2 and Tier 3. Together, the tiers form layers of support for students. Tier 1 supports remain in place, and schools can add extra supports from Tier 2 and Tier 3 when greater needs are identified.

Tier 1: Universal interventions

Tier 1 Universal interventions help schools to create a positive, inclusive and supportive school climate, building the preconditions for optimal student learning, development and wellbeing. They are the initiatives and programs schools adopt that are good for all students.

Tier 1 Universal activities promote positive mental health and develop all students’ social, emotional and behavioural abilities. Many activities will be documented in the school’s student engagement policy External Link.

Activities can be implemented at a school, year, or classroom level. They are usually delivered by school staff. Community organisations or agencies may be employed to deliver some activities.

Programs include:

  • adopting a whole school approach to mental health
  • social and emotional learning
  • wellbeing animal programs
  • eating disorders supports
  • alcohol and drug education
  • mental health literacy
  • bullying prevention
  • local community lead mental health intervention
  • peer support.

The Schools Mental Health Menu provides a comprehensive information about tier 1 activities (as well as tiers 2 and 3) available to schools.

The NIP early intervention approach

NIP it in the bud! External Link is an early intervention approach that provides a simple framework for all members of a school community. NIP it in the bud! provides a whole school approach to recognising and responding to early warning signs of depression, anxiety and emotional distress communicated through self-harm.

Reviewed 23 November 2022

Why is it important to promote healthy Behaviours?

Why is health promotion important? Health promotion improves the health status of individuals, families, communities, states, and the nation. Health promotion enhances the quality of life for all people. Health promotion reduces premature deaths.

Why is it important for students to lead a healthy lifestyle?

Research confirms that students do better in school when they are emotionally and physically healthy. They miss fewer classes, are less likely to engage in risky or antisocial behavior, concentrate more, and achieve higher test scores.

How can you promote a healthy lifestyle as a student?

Looking after your physical health.
Get good sleep. If you're tired, your worries can get blown out of proportion. ... .
Eat a healthy diet. Eating a balanced and nutritious diet can help you feel well and think clearly. ... .
Exercise regularly. Keeping active can help you improve your mental health..

What is the most important way of promoting the health of children?

Provide more access to drinking water. Promote healthy foods and drinks—for example, by pricing them lower than less healthy items. Teach nutrition in health education classes, throughout the school day, and in after-school programs—for example, through school gardens and farm-to-school activities.