The role of health education in improving student health in Indonesian schools

Abstract

Health plays an important role in supporting educational success, with healthy students tending to have better concentration, endurance and motivation to learn. To achieve this, schools implement health education programmes aimed at improving students' knowledge, attitudes and skills in maintaining and improving their health. The programme includes formal and informal activities integrated in the curriculum, extracurricular initiatives and school health projects. Effective health education holds the potential to address these issues. While existing research has shown that health education can improve students' knowledge, attitudes, and skills related to health, direct evidence of its effect on students' health remains limited. The implications of health education are profound, including improved health knowledge, positive attitudes toward health, and the development of vital health maintenance skills. Additionally, it fosters a healthy learning environment, which is conducive to improved academic outcomes. Future interventions may involve the development of tailored materials, the integration of technology, and collaborative endeavors across multiple stakeholders. In conclusion, health education is a potent tool for enhancing student well-being and, consequently, educational success. By addressing health challenges and promoting healthy behaviors, health education contributes significantly to creating a brighter and healthier future for students in Indonesia and beyond.