The healthy primary school of the future : study protocol of a quasi-experimental study
Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BioMed Central
Abstract
Background:
Unhealthy lifestyles in early childhood are a major global health challenge. These lifestyles often
persist from generation to generation and contribute to a vicious cycle of health-related and social problems.
This design article presents a study evaluating the effects of two novel healthy school interventions. The main
outcome measure will be changes in children
’
s body mass index (BMI). In addition, lifestyle behaviours, academic
achievement, child well-being, socio-economic differences, and societal costs will be examined.
Methods:
In close collaboration with various stakeholders, a quasi-experimental study was developed, for which
children of four intervention schools (
n
= 1200) in the southern part of the Netherlands are compared with children
of four control schools (
n
= 1200) in the same region. The interventions started in November 2015. In two of the
four intervention schools, a whole-school approach named
‘
The Healthy Primary School of the Future
’
,is
implemented with the aim of improving physical activity and dietary behaviour. For this intervention, pupils are
offered an extended curriculum, including a healthy lunch, more physical exercises, and social and educational
activities, next to the regular school curriculum. In the two other intervention schools, a physical-activity school
approach called
‘
The Physical Activity School
’
, is implemented, which is essentially similar to the other intervention,
except that no lunch is provided. The interventions proceed during a period of 4 years. Apart from the effectiveness
of both interventions, the process, the cost-effectiveness, and the expected legal implications are studied. Data
collection is conducted within the school system. The baseline measurements started in September 2015 and yearly
follow-up measurements are taking place until 2019.
Discussion:
A whole-school approach is a new concept in the Netherlands. Due to its innovative, multifaceted
nature and sound scientific foundation, these integrated programmes have the potential to form a template
for primary schools worldwide. The effects of this approach may extend further than the outcomes associated
with well-being and academic achievement, potentially impacting legal and cultural aspects in our society.
Description
CITATION: Willeboordse, M., et al . 2016. The healthy primary school of the future : study protocol of a quasi-experimental study. BMC Public Health, 16:639, doi:10.1186/s12889-016-3301-9.
The original publication is available at https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com
The original publication is available at https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com
Keywords
Academic achievement, Accelerometers, Obesity in children -- Prevention, School health services
Citation
Willeboordse, M., et al . 2016. The healthy primary school of the future : study protocol of a quasi-experimental study. BMC Public Health, 16:639, doi:10.1186/s12889-016-3301-9