Healthy School Environment Research Articles

Core Competences of School Nurses for the Development of Anti-Bullying Strategies: Protocol for a Scoping Review

Background/Objectives: School nurses are capable of fostering safe and healthy school environments that are favorable to quality learning and social interactions. To this end, it is essential that they acquire a set of skills needed to implement bullying intervention programs. This article describes the protocol for a scoping review to identify and map the core competences for school nurses to develop anti-bullying strategies. Methods: The review will be conducted according to the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. The review will include primary, secondary, and gray literature, including theses and reports, found through comprehensive research in several databases: Scopus, WoS, APA PsycINFO, Embase, ScienceDirect, MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), ERIC, LILACS, BDENF, IBECS, Cochrane Library, CAPES Dissertations and Theses Portal, RCAAP, Theses Canada, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, and Google Scholar, as well as reference tracking. No geographical restrictions will be applied. The studies must include investigations into actions and interventions conducted by or involving nurses for the prevention of bullying in the school context. Two reviewers will act independently in screening the studies and extracting data using an extraction tool developed by the research team. Results: The results will be presented in a tabular format, supported by a narrative synthesis. The details of the scoping review will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Conclusions: We anticipate that our scoping review will to strengthen a field of nursing that is still little explored, showing the school nurses’ role in prevent bullying episodes.

GESTÃO ESCOLAR DEMOCRÁTICA X PERSPECTIVA DE PARTICIPAÇÃO DOS PAIS NA ESCOLA UMA DISCUSSÃO TEÓRICA NA GESTÃO PÚBLICA

This work ddresses the importance of parental participation in schools, highlighting their roles and the necessary strategies to create a healthy and productive school environment. The goal is to foster a space where all stakeholders contribute to the effective functioning of the institution, making it a pleasant place to study and work. Parents expect the school to provide a welcoming and high-quality environment, with an educational team that motivates their children. Therefore, it is essential for schools to develop strategies that facilitate this participation, allowing parents to engage with their children’s school life, which benefits both parties.The research was conducted quantitatively, using questionnaires with parents and interviews with the principal to analyze how parental participation occurs in school management. The results indicate that participation is mainly limited to meetings and events, and many parents are unfamiliar with the documents that guide the school’s pedagogical work. This reveals that including parents in school management still represents a challenge.It concludes that the absence of parental participation is correlated with cases of indiscipline and learning difficulties among students. However, the school demonstrates a commitment to promoting open dialogue, creating a favorable environment in which parents, students, and administrators collaborate to achieve quality education.

Examining the status of school improvement program implementation in primary schools: a case study in South Ethiopia region

The implementation of a School Improvement Program (SIP) is a means to enhance the overall quality of education and ultimately improve students’ academic outcomes. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the extent of SIP implementation with respect to its main domains in primary schools of Gamo Gofa Zone, South Ethiopia Region. Accordingly, the current study focuses on four key areas in schools, which include teaching-learning, school leadership and management, parent-community school relations, and healthy school environment. A descriptive survey research design was used with a quantitative research method. From 16 primary schools; 99 teachers, 32 principals, 44 school improvement committees and 396 students were selected using a simple random sampling technique. The research utilized close-ended questionnaires and document reviews as data-gathering instruments. Quantitative data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and one-way ANOVA, while qualitative data were analyzed using descriptive narration. The findings revealed that the implementation of SIP in the four main domains was moderate status. However, the domains of teac hing-learning and school leadership exhibited a high level of implemen tation. The study also identified significant differences among districts regarding the extent of implementation in the teaching-learning and community participation domains. Moreover, the results of grade four zonal and grade eight regional examinations indicated that SIP is not yet properly implemented and needs high consideration. Therefore, raising awareness about the revised school improvement Blueprint and framework through short-term training, establishing an incentive system to encourage best practices and implementing formal monitoring and evaluation tools are suggested to boost the status of SIP implementation in the study area.

Influence of Environment on Academic Performance of Senior Secondary School Biology Students in Owerri Municipal Council of Imo State

The influence of environment in which students generally and specifically science students study on their academic performance is the main concern of this study. Biology, both as a subject and a discipline is a natural environment friendly endeavour. The environment of its study by students is very crucial. The objectives of the study included examining the influence of school location, security of school environment, home background of the students and cleanliness of the school on secondary school student’s performance in Biology. The sample size was six hundred and thirty-five (635) students (10% of the population) selected from five secondary schools out of the ten public schools. From the results, it was that concluded all the environmental factors considered in the study influenced the academic performance of Biology students in Owerri Municipal. It is recommended that all stakeholders in biology education of students should encourage and facilitate stronger partnerships between schools and home to ensure that everyone participates actively in and support students’ academic endeavors in biology through ensuring a healthy and secure school environment.

On and off line hate speech and academic performance in secondary education in Cameroon

Despite the increasing scientific attention given to hate speech, there is a lack of empirical studies examining the effect of hate speech among secondary school students and its association with academic achievement. The objective of this research is to assess the associations between online and offline hate speech based on gender, religion, ethnic affiliation, and academic achievement. The results suggest that hate speech is not spread evenly across the distribution of students, but rather is concentrated primarily among students with lower academic performance, both online and offline. More specifically, hate speech based on gender and ethnicity was found to have significant and negative associations with educational outcomes when it occurred online. In contrast, hate speech based on religion also had a significant and negative associations with educational outcomes when it occurred offline. It is worth noting that a student's ability to connect to the internet from his or her own phone is positively associated with better school results, while presence on social networks is negatively associated with these results. These results may be helpful considering policies to improve healthy school environments in the future.

Bullying and Cyberbullying in School: Rapid Review on the Roles of Gratitude, Forgiveness, and Self-Regulation.

This study aims to assist decision-making in anti-bullying interventions by highlighting the importance of positive factors such as gratitude, forgiveness, and self-regulation in mitigating the negative impacts of bullying/cyberbullying. The objective was to examine and synthesize available evidence on the impact of gratitude, forgiveness, and self-regulation practices in the school context regarding bullying/cyberbullying phenomena. Three databases were consulted (Web of Science, Scopus, and Scielo), and the results include 14 articles. The three character strengths were associated with psychological well-being, life and school satisfaction, improved mental health, increased likelihood of engaging in pro-social behavior, and reduced involvement in bullying/cyberbullying situations. These strengths have the potential to enhance overall well-being and decrease risk behaviors, leading to more positive outcomes in experiences of violence. These results underscore the importance of considering students' individual strengths and the possible interventions to promote healthy school environments.

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT RELATIVE TO IMPLEMENTATION OF POLICIES AND PROGRAMS TOWARDS SAFE AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT

This study aims to investigate solid waste management programs and policies implemented to promote a safe and healthy school environment in Anao-Kiling Elementary School, Roxas, Isabela. Fifty internal and 30 external stakeholders served as respondents of the study. This research uses a descriptive-normative approach to assess stakeholders' awareness, implementation levels, and challenges. The data were collected through structured questionnaires and interviews, and analyzed through statistical tools such as percentages, weighted means, ANOVA, Chi-Square C-Test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient. The results showed that there is a high level of awareness among respondents regarding the policies of segregation, reduction, reuse, and recycling. However, challenges remain regarding waste disposal, showing the need for improvements in the overall implementation of the program and advocacy efforts. In addition, the level of stakeholder participation varied, with composting of biodegradable waste showing the highest level of implementation. Internal stakeholders experienced excessive waste, whereas external stakeholders experienced problems such as a lack of time. There was a significant relationship between existing programs, dissemination, and implementation levels. However, the respondents' perceptions and their profile variables did not show a significant correlation. Conclusions emphasize stakeholder representation, adequate dissemination of program information, and the need for targeted solutions to address implementation challenges. As a result of this study, holistic waste management strategies are crucial to creating a sustainable and healthy educational environment.

A complete review on enhancing air circulation and filtration for improving internal air quality in a healthy school environment

The health of staff and students is impacted by Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in educational environments. A healthy atmosphere depends on good IAQ, yet millions of students worldwide might develop respiratory illnesses due to poor air quality. Immediate action is required to alleviate the burden of IAQ consequences in the pandemic-dominated period. This detailed evaluation focuses on techniques for improving air circulation and filtration systems to meet the critical demand for improved IAQ in schools. This research demonstrates the negative impacts of inadequate IAQ on students and educators’ cognitive capacities, health and performance based on an extensive examination of current records. A healthy learning environment, on the other hand, can minimize absenteeism, raise test results and increase pupil/teacher education/teaching productivity. This review explores the effectiveness of different ventilation as well as filtration methods, such as air purifiers, mechanical ventilation, natural ventilation and advanced filtration systems, in lowering airborne pollutants like particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and microbiological contaminants. This study reviews current information, emphasizes recent findings along with options and provides guidelines for the future of education. It underlines the limits of previous studies, gives ideas for further research and indicates a path forward for more enhancements to the air quality in schools. Comprehensive analysis with greater sample numbers is required to evaluate student performance, indoor contentment and environmental health exposure. On-site measurements are essential for comprehending the properties of contaminants. Intricate mitigation strategies must take health impacts, IAQ and energy efficiency into effect.

IJCM_363A: Assessment of Health Promoting Physical Environment in Schools of Raipur City

Background: The schools physical environment refers to all school buildings, indoors and outdoors. A healthy school environment can directly improve children’s health and effective learning. Understanding the variations in the physical infrastructure of schools becomes crucial for educators, parents and policy makers. Objective: To assess health promoting physical environment in schools of Raipur City. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in schools of Raipur City to assess health promoting physical school environment. Total 132 schools, 66 each from government and private were selected using stratified random sampling. Observation checklist was used for assessing based on the standards set for health promoting schools. Results: Majority, 98% of government and 74% of private schools had play area. Adequate lighting & separate toilets for boys and girls were present in majority schools. Clean drinking water was available only in 30% of government schools and 62% of private schools. Dustbins were provided in 30% of government and 60% of private schools. Toilets were clean only in 38% of government schools and 71% of private schools. Unhealthy food was available to purchase nearby in 45% government and 39% private schools and Outlets for tobacco/ alcohol were present nearby in 4% government schools and 1.5% private schools. Posters against Alcohol/Tobacco were displayed in 7.6% of government schools and none of the private schools. Conclusion: A score of 0-5 was achieved by 61% of government and 39% of private schools, 6-11 score was achieved by only 39% of government and 61% of private schools. Thus the physical school environment score of private schools was found to be higher as compared to that of government schools. However study findings recommended schools to improve their physical environment in order to achieve better health and effective learning among children.

IJCM_218A: Association between school bag weight and trunk strength among children in Mangalore

Background: School bags serve as a practical means for students to transport essential academic materials and personal items, including food. The significance of school bag weight has garnered increased attention in recent years due to its potential impact on the musculoskeletal health of school children. Excessive school bag weight has been identified as a significant contributor to various health issues, ranging from neck pain and shoulder discomfort to headaches, general fatigue, decreased muscle strength, and, notably, back injuries among children. Methods: The study involved 178 school children in Mangalore, ranging from 10-15 years, for a period of 23 days. School bag weights were measured using calibrated scales, and trunk strength was assessed using a hand held dynamometer. Statistical analysis, including Chi-square test, student’s ‘t’ test and Karl Pearson correlation test were employed to identify any significant relationships between these variables. Results: Preliminary findings revealed a positive correlation between school bag weight and trunk strength among the participants. Results indicated that a considerable proportion (83.1%) of students were burdened with an excessive load of bags. The evaluated muscular strength was discovered to be diminished in these individuals, and they experienced symptoms that were interconnected, highlighting the potential impact of school bag weight on the musculoskeletal health of children in Mangalore. Conclusion: These findings advocate measures to alleviate the burden on children’s musculoskeletal health. Further research and interventions are warranted to promote a balanced and healthy school environment for the well-being of the younger generation.

Menstrual Hygiene Education among Student Girls of Elementary School at SDN 47 Korong Gadang, Padang

The research conducted by UNICEF in Indonesia in 2020 revealed that one in five girls is unaware of menstrual hygiene management. Taboos and stigma also limit the activities of female students during menstruation. Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) is the method of maintaining cleanliness and health for women during their menstrual cycle. The Ministry of Health is improving menstrual hygiene by implementing three aspects in the School Health Effort (Trias UKS), including health education, health services, and a healthy school environment. Community service activities were conducted at the Elementary School of SDN 47 Korong Gadang, Padang City, on 3 June 2022. The number of participants was 30 students from the 4th and 5th grades. Education was delivered through lectures and discussions, supported by visual aids such as slides and leaflets. The evaluation used pretests and post-tests to determine whether there was an improvement in students' knowledge. After the education session, it was found that 60% of the students had acquired a high level of knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene management. The results of this community service can serve as a lesson that education related to personal hygiene during menstruation is crucial. It is because some female students, while menstruating, experience bullying from male students and encounter obstacles in practicing menstrual hygiene at school.

Evaluation of School Health Effort Program in Kapanewon Jetis Bantul Elementary School

In general, this research aims to determine the evaluation of context, input, process and product in the Infirmary Program in the elementary schools located in Jetis District, Bantul Regency. The research would be conducted by using the CIPP evaluation method (context, input, process, and product). The research instrument was an observation sheet and a questionnaire. The research subjects were the school principals, infirmary nurses, and the students of elementary schools located in Jetis District, Bantul Regency. The method of data analysis used a statistical descriptive technique with percentage formula. The results of the research on the contextual evaluation conclude that the problem at the elementary schools located in Jetis District, Bantul Regency show that there are still students who do not apply clean and healthy living behaviors and the infirmary room which is not completed with medicines, the infirmary room does not yet have a management structure. the infirmary program is about health education, health services, improving the quality of personnel, procuring facilities and infrastructure, and fostering a healthy school environment. The results of the research on Input Evaluation can be concluded that it is clear that all schools already have an infirmary facility, yet from the findings it shows that the facilities and equipment are still very minimal and the role of the teacher has not been fully maximized. The results of the process evaluation conclude that the evaluation of the Infirmary Program based on the school principal state that it is very good, as the evaluation of the infirmary program based on the supervisor states that it good, the evaluation of the infirmary program based on students states that it is very good. The results of the product evaluation conclude that the elementary school infirmary program in the elementary schools located in Bantul Regency covers 3 (three) aspects: health education, health services and fostering a healthy environment.

Health education in the school environment: interdisciplinary practices, constitutional guarantees, and full development of the individual

Health Education in schools plays a crucial role in promoting the physical, mental, and social well-being of students, contributing to the formation of healthy and conscious citizens. By integrating health promotion into daily activities, this approach aims to disseminate information and encourage healthy habits, emphasizing the importance of interaction between the school and healthcare teams. Key points such as disease prevention, nutrition education, physical activity, mental health, sexual education, drug prevention, community partnerships, and ongoing evaluation outline a comprehensive plan. Considering the historical context from hygienic models to contemporary approaches, a critical understanding of these phases is vital for creating a healthy school environment and empowering students to make informed choices for a healthy life. In addition, the Health in School Program (PSE) is a joint initiative of the Ministries of Health and Education in Brazil, launched in 2007, to promote the health and well-being of public school students. With an emphasis on integrating health and education, PSE covers various areas, including healthy eating, disease prevention, combating Aedes aegypti, and physical activity, operating in all stages of basic education. Community involvement is crucial, and the program involves constant monitoring and access to healthcare services. PSE stands out for its preventive focus, aiming to educate conscious and healthy citizens. Furthermore, the article argues for the integration of health into the Political-Pedagogical Project (PPP) of schools, as advocated by the 1988 Federal Constitution. It emphasizes the influence of economic and social policies on population health and the school's importance as a space for health promotion. The National Common Curricular Base and National Curriculum Parameters recognize the transversality of health in education. PPP, seen as a democratic instrument, is essential for collaboration between health and education. The pedagogical approach of John Dewey and Paulo Freire highlights the importance of experience, dialogue, awareness, meaningful learning, empowerment, reflective practice, and cultural contextualization. The expansion of this approach to teachers and staff is considered vital in the educational process.

Motivasi Menghafal Al-Qur'an Juz 30 Pada Peserta Didik Kelas VI Dalam Meningkatkan Belajar Baca Al-Qur’an Di Madrasah Ibtidaiah Yamra Merauke

This research aims to determine the process of memorization motivation, motivation factors, and achievement results for class VI students in increasing interest in learning to read the Al-Qur'an through motivation to memorize Al-Qur'an juz 30. This research is classified as a qualitative research type, a research approach that used: phenomenological. The data sources for this research are the Head of the Madrasah, the Head of the Al-Qur'an class coordinator, the Al-Qur'an class supervisor and the students. The data collection methods used were observation, interviews and documentation. Then, data processing and analysis techniques are carried out through three stages, namely: data reduction, data presentation, data verification and drawing conclusions. Research results: A. motivation process for memorizing Al-Qur'an Juz 30: 1) Students' self-awareness of learning, 2) Adjusting goals, 3) Learning to students' needs, 4) Giving a gentle touch, 5) Giving gifts, 6 ) Giving praise and respect, 7) Students knowing their learning achievements, 8) A healthy school environment, 9) Competent and humorous teachers. B. Factors that influence motivation to memorize the Qur'an: a) Internal factors, in the form of attitude, personality, education, experience and ideals. b) External factors, in the form of social and non-social environments. C. Student achievement results: 1) can memorize Juz 30 according to the target, 2) can read the Al-Qur'an well and correctly, and 3) master the science of recitation.
 Keywords: Al-Qurán, Motivation, Memorizing

Using the Theory of Learning Organisations to Understand the Role of Principals in School Health Promotion: A Case Study

The role of principals is increasingly recognised as important in school health promotion. There is a significant body of literature regarding school health promotion and its benefits for learners and the school community, but little is known about the role of principals. Using Senge’s theory of learning organisations as a framework, this study qualitatively sought to understand the roles of principals in promoting healthy school environments. The study used a combination of semi-structured individual interviews and focus groups to gather data from six school management team members; seven teachers; and three school governing body members from a high school in Fezile Dabi District of the Free State. Individual interview data was obtained and focus group discussions were conducted to confirm the findings. The data gathered was analysed using a combination of inductive classification and theory analysis. The study’s main findings demonstrate that principals should (i) provide leadership in health promotion activities within their schools and in collaborations and partnerships with the external community and (ii) have personal mastery, vision, knowledge and thinking skills to be able to play their role effectively. Furthermore, it was found that all five principles of the theory of learning organisation can be used to understand the role of principals in school health promotion. Based on these findings it is recommended that a learning culture be created in schools. The findings of this research suggest implications regarding both the practice of providing leadership in school health promotion and practices in the preparation of principals and teachers for the task of School Health Promotion. Keywords: Learning Organisations, School Health Promotion, School leadership, Team Learning

Relationships, parental involvement, and community support: Differences in school environment for boys and girls in rural Guatemala

Literacy rates in Guatemala range from 40% to 90% but widespread poverty and malnutrition hinder school attendance and educational attainment. The Western Highlands region of Guatemala has a large indigenous population and a bilingual Spanish and K’iche’ curriculum. This study explores how child, family, and community factors influence positive school environment, using a sample of 1590 sixth grade students. For male students, increased parental involvement had a positive and direct influence on healthy school environment. For female students, increased parental involvement had a positive and direct influence on healthy school environment. Teacher–student relationships may be a critical point of intervention.

Diferencias de género en el acoso escolar: una mirada a las perspectivas de víctimas, acosadores y observadores

Bullying is a serious psychosocial problem with negative consequences that affect both childhood and adolescence as well as adulthood. The present study with 300 secondary school students revealed a high incidence of physical, verbal social and coercive bullying. Victims experienced anxiety, depression, and self-esteem problems. It is crucial to implement prevention and intervention programs to address bullying and create a safe and healthy school environment.

Intersectionality informed and narrative-shifting whole school approaches for LGBTQ+ secondary school student mental health: A UK qualitative study.

School is a key site for prevention and early intervention in public mental health, with sexual and gender minority students being a priority group for action. Context is important in understanding how school inclusion of sexual and gender minorities shapes mental health and well-being, with rapidly changing social and political forces necessitating ongoing research. This coproduced UK secondary school-based study aimed to understand (a) key components of mentally, socially and emotionally healthy school environments for LGBTQ+ students considerate of intersecting minoritised identities; (b) staff information, skills and capacity needs and (c) factors influencing uptake and implementation. Online interviews and focus groups were conducted with 63 participants (22 staff, 32 students (aged 13-19 years), and 9 training providers), diverse in relation to gender and sexual identity, ethnicity, religious and social context. Data were analysed thematically. One overarching theme captured the need for an intersectionality-informed, contextually adaptable, whole school approach which 'shifts the narrative' away from deficit thinking, challenging prevailing cis/heteronormative and White norms. This underpinned four themes: (1) 'Feeling safe, seen and celebrated: embedding intersectional signs, signals and symbols', (2) 'Everyone's business: the need for collaboration', (3) 'Embedding a culture of change', and (4) 'Re-locating the problem: challenging deficit thinking'. Contextually diverse research is needed which critically addresses ways in which social power enacted interpersonally and structurally serves to hinder schools from enacting LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Evidence to inform and develop implementation strategies for institutional changes and to advocate for wider socio-political support is also key to mitigate the potential for widening inequities linked to inequitable school environments.

Optimalization of PHBS (Clean and Healthy Living Behavior) with the Formation of Cilik Nurses at SD Sei Petani Medan

Elementary School Sei Petani is a experimental elementary school located in Medan City, North Sumatra with 34 teachers and 326 students and 355 students. PHBS activities at school have the benefit of being able to create a clean and healthy environment, improve the teaching and learning process and students, teachers and the school community become healthy. The problems found are that SD Sei Petani does not have a UKS room at school, SD has never conducted routine health education, students have not received training on Little Nurses. Students have never been given knowledge to perform first aid in accidents (P3K), weight and height measurements are not routinely carried out per 6 months, schools do not provide guidance on school stalls, hand washing with soap activities have never been carried out routinely at school, toilets and school bathrooms are not cleaned regularly, landfills do not meet health requirements. The purpose of this community service is Optimizing PHBS (Clean and Healthy Living Behavior) with the Formation of Little Nurses at SD Sei Petani Medan. Stages of implementation method with 5 stages of activity. activity 1 identifying students' knowledge about PHBS at school, activity 2 education about 8 PHBS activities at school, activity 3 empowering students to become Little Nurses to improve their knowledge and skills as a mobilizer to other students procuring UKS facilities and infrastructure. Activity 4 Procurement of UKS facilities and infrastructure, activity 5 fostering a healthy school environment, namely supervision of garbage, toilets / bathrooms, cleanliness of the school environment and school canteens. The solution offered from the above problems is to empower students by forming little nurses and conducting training for Little Nurses as drivers and supervisors of healthy living behavior in schools, procuring UKS facilities and infrastructure, fostering a healthy school environment, namely supervision of garbage, toilets / bathrooms, cleanliness of the school environment and school canteens.

Green School Project (GSP): A Case Study in Sukma Bangsa Lhokseumawe School, Aceh Indonesia

The Green School Project (GSP) is a program that was initiated based on monitoring and mutual awareness of the success of experiences in overcoming the many environmental problems that occur in schools. Starting from the discomfort of the school community because the conditions and atmosphere of the school are spacious but look rather hot and dry; rubbish scattered at almost all points in the school area, and the habit of eating unhealthy food in certain packages. However, several activities were conducted as the effective solutions when all school residents take the concrete action together consistently through GSP program. This is a study case of 163 students of the total 200 students of SMP Sukma Bangsa Lhokseumawe. The data was collected by observation, interview, and survey. This study intended to evaluate whether the GSP program has been effectively affected to improve our students awareness, carin,g and loving to the school cleanliness and health. As a result, the good habits coordinated by the GSP Team of Sukma Bangsa Lhokseumawe school are successfully build the character of students who care more about the school environment. The green, clean and healthy condition of the school today were considered as the great contribution of all school managements, teachers and parents as role models in order to achieve the targets for behavior change of the students of Sukma Bangsa Lhokseumawe School who become more loving a green, clean and healthy school environment.