Abstract
In 2010, the World Health Organization supported the Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Education to establish a network of 10 Health Promoting Schools (HPS). This study was undertaken to address the extent to which the HPS model was able to produce changes in the risk behaviors of adolescents (Smoking, Drinking, and Drug Use) and prepare them to respond to evolving health challenges. A cross-sectional survey was carried out during 2011-2012 and compared Grade 6 - 9 students in HPS, and 10 other public and private schools. The Youth Risk Behavior Survey [1], and Carbon Monoxide measurements in adolescent breaths were used for data collection. Findings revealed that the current School Health Program failed to address issues of concern to adolescents with no significant differences in risk behaviors: smoking, alcohol and drug use. The HPS network needs reassessment to upgrade the outcomes of health education curricula. Expected learning outcomes and healthy practices must be designed to match students’ age, grade level, and developmental milestones.
Highlights
In 2010, the World Health Organization supported the Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Education to establish a network of 10 Health Promoting Schools (HPS)
Findings revealed that the current School Health Program failed to address issues of concern to adolescents with no significant differences in risk behaviors: smoking, alcohol and drug use
HPS in Lebanon can be considered as a primary cornerstone towards a journey intended to lead to better health education programs, school environments, health services, and eventually better achievement for students
Summary
Negative influences such as violence, family conflicts, drugs and alcohol, teenage pregnancy, absence of love and affection, and little attention from home or school strongly affect their lives [2]. These influences may translate into physical, social and mental health problems or manifest by limited educational achievement. They may influence the future of adolescents and their chances to lead fulfilling and healthy lives [2] [3]. It recognizes the need to involve students, teachers, parents, health care personnel, local community, and other stakeholders in shaping and implementing adolescent school health programs (SHP) (Figure 1)
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