Evaluation of Private Schools Implementation of International School Health Guidelines and the Impact on Childhood Obesity, in Dubai

Abstract

Childhood obesity is a health concern globally and in the UAE. The prevalence of childhood obesity in the UAE reached 13.7% among 5-17 years old children. The research aimed to explore the implementation of international school health policies at Dubai private schools. The study followed a descriptive, quantitative, cross-sectional method using an online questionnaire. The target population were private schools in Dubai and they account for the majority of schools in the city. The sample size was 40 schools that represent 19% of the population. The data was collected online using Google forms, then analyzed through Microsoft Excel and SPSS. The majority of school principal's (83%) agree on the importance of implementing health policies. The implementation of health policy components recommended by the CDC: 7-9 components: 32.5%, 4-6 components: 35%, and 1-3 components: 30%. The majority of principals (84.6%) are willing to ban sweetened drinks from their school. Also, 64% of principals are willing to increase physical education (PE) classes, only 13% disagree. The study showed that 65% of schools provide 90 minutes/week PE classes (2 classes/week) lower than the recommended 180 to 225 minutes/week by the CDC and other health organizations. The common challenges schools reported to have experienced when trying to implement the health policies were time limitation, finance, human resources, and facilities. In conclusion, schools are working toward supporting health policies and school principals had an overall positive attitude in implementing new health policies. Schools also need to address the challenges they identified since they hinder the implementation of health policies.