Preschool as a healt promotion arena : A qualitative interviewstudy from preschool teachers perspective

In order for the individual's chances of good health to increase, health promotion should beintroduced to the youngest children. A recent report shows that Sweden is falling in ranking in termsof equal health where Sweden ended up in 23 out of 35 countries. The socioeconomic gaps inSweden's society mean that children's health becomes a geographical issue. The preschool's rolebecomes extremely important in this context, as statistics show that 84% of children living inSweden are enrolled in preschool. The purpose is to investigate how preschool teachers feel thatthey work with children's health and well-being at preschool. The study consists of six qualitativeinterviews with preschool teachers spread across two preschools. A qualitative content analysis ofthe data was conducted to find prominent categories. Preschool teachers in the study agree thathealth in preschool needs more attention. They agree that physical activity is restricted to theoutdoor environment due to large children's groups and small premises. The result emphasizes thatpreschool should be a positive and safe environment in which the children feel good