Evaluation of Health Promoting School by School Characteristics

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess inputs for health promoting schools (HPS) and to evaluate HPS based on WHO' s guidelines through school characteristics, and to identify the schools' need among 6 areas of HPS. Methods: A stratified and random cluster sampling design was used to obtain a cross-sectional sample. A total of 59 elementary, middle and high schools in Seoul and Gyeonggi areas were included and 333 teachers (males 40.6%, females 59.4%) participated in this survey. A self-reported questionnaire consisted of 10 items for inputs for HPS, 50 items for the evaluation of HPS and 3 items of the schools' need among 6 areas of HPS. Data were analyzed through t-test, ANOVA, and Duncan test. Results: The mean score of inputs for HPS was 48.5 (��15.3). Elementary schools had higher mean scores of inputs than middle and high schools. The mean score of schools with management committee was higher than those schools without it. The schools which had meetings on health issues had higher mean scores. For evaluation, the mean score for HPS was 76.8 (��9.4): the area of "School Physical Environment" had the highest score (80.0��10.9) and the area of "Community Relationships" had the lowest score (67.1��13.9). Elementary schools with less than 9 classes and more than 31 classes had higher HPS, so do with schools that has less than 340 students and more than 1201 students. The schools which had meetings on health issues had higher evaluation scores. The same results were found on 6 areas of HPS. The teachers responded that the areas of "School Health Policy", "The School Physical Environment", and "Health Service" should be supported among 6 areas of HPS. Conclusion: Based on these results, more concerns and supports for school health are necessary. Middle schools should give more regard on the development of HPS. For comprehensive school health promotion, all 6 areas of HPS should be equally supported