Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-27-2019

Publication Title

Journal of School Health

Publisher

Wiley

First page number:

1

Last page number:

8

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Children from disadvantaged backgrounds are more apt to experience lower availability of nutritious foods, lack opportunities to exercise, and lack access to recreational facilities, and thus, are more likely to be obese and at greater risk for developing chronic diseases. We review school health education programs' impact on physical activity behaviors among disadvantaged students. METHODS: The inclusion criteria of the study were articles: published in English with full text between 2011 and 2017; focused on school health education programs for disadvantaged school‐aged students; assessed programs including a physical activity component; examined school‐aged children and adolescents' physical activity behaviors; and assessed programs with comparison groups. RESULTS: There were 13 studies matching inclusion criteria in this review. The results of this review indicated that school‐based health education programs which included culturally appropriate physical activity, parent involvement, and enhanced student motivation and choice of activities appeared to increase physical activity levels among disadvantaged school‐aged students. Health education programs should also emphasize behavioral change skills, such as goal setting and self‐motivation, to positively impact on students' physical activity behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: School‐based health education programs may help increase access to physical activity among disadvantaged populations.

Keywords

Physical activity; School health education program; Children/adolescent in low-income families; Disadvantaged Students; Systematic Review

Disciplines

Curriculum and Social Inquiry | Health and Physical Education

File Format

pdf

File Size

166 KB

Language

English

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