Collaborative Practice in Secondary Schools in the Promotion of Healthy Eating and Physical Activity

Abstract

Background: Among 12 to 17 year-olds, overweight and obesity rates have more than doubled in the past 25 years. In Quebec, the government initiatives that have been implemented to promote healthy behaviours among young people require the collaboration of many stakeholders. The objective of this study was to describe collaborative practice in secondary schools promoting healthy eating and physical activity.Methods and Findings: A descriptive multiple-case study was conducted in three Quebec secondary schools. The data collection methods consisted of a focus group, semi-structured individual interviews (21), observation of events involving collaboration among various school stakeholders (5), and document analysis (3). Qualitative analysis of intra-case and cross-case data carried out by more than one researcher helped identify emerging manifestations of collaborative practice.Conclusion: Committing to projects, accepting tasks, and consulting with colleagues are some of the actions identified in school-based activities promoting healthy lifestyles. This study sheds light on the importance of collaborative practice in the promotion of healthy lifestyles among young people in a school setting.