Health promotion in dutch secondary schools: Promising collaboration between school and public health services?

Abstract

The attention and need for evidence of school health promotion in the Netherlands are growing. This chapter examines the extent to which the School Beat approach being implemented in secondary schools in Southern Limburg, and what are the success factors, shortcomings and bottlenecks of sustained school health promotion? Eighteen health promoting schools were followed during a period of 4 years. A multi-method research approach was used including questionnaires and interviews. The theoretical framework of this research builds on the Diagnose Sustainable Collaboration (DISC) model which was developed by Leurs (Remediaal 4(1):3-8, 2003). Secondary schools do consider health promotion as important. But, because of the high workload in schools and the lack of legal commitment health promotion has not been given high priority in schools, so far. Despite this position schools try to address health with support of their regional Public Health Service. For successful implementation of school health promotion the appointment of a school health promotion advisor is crucial. Competence requirements for the implementation of school health promotion are related to organizational and educational knowledge. There is no natural connection between health and educational goals in schools. Investment in advocacy, school commitment, seeking connections between the educational and health goals and shared responsibility between the educational and public health sector can make a difference. Currently the attention for school health promotion policy is increasing. Nevertheless only little evidence-based school health policy is available. This research provides recommendations for the implementation of school health policies in the Netherlands and internationally.