Daily Physical Activity (DPA) in Schools: Roles of Public Health Unit Personnel in Supporting the Policy

Authors

  • Kenneth R Allison KR Allison Research Consulting
  • Nour Schoueri-Mychasiw Public Health Ontario
  • Erin Hobin Public Health Ontario
  • Sonam Shah University of Toronto
  • Karen Vu-Nguyen The Regional Municipality of York
  • John J.M. Dwyer University of Guelph
  • Heather Manson Public Health Ontario
  • Jennifer Robertson Public Health Ontario

Keywords:

Policy evaluation, organization of school health programs

Abstract

Relationships between public health and school personnel are examined in relation to the Daily Physical Activity (DPA) policy in Ontario elementary schools.Online surveys were administered to key personnel from 36 public health units in Ontario. Descriptive analysis assessed their role in building partnerships and supporting DPA. Relatively low levels of involvement in supporting DPA in school boards and schools were found. A number of barriers to involvement, including lack of reciprocal responsibility for engagement between public health and school personnel were reported. The results indicate some gaps in public health unit personnel involvement with the school system. Support and promotion of DPA policy implementation can be enhanced through development of stronger reciprocal relationships and innovative communication processes. 

Résumé

Les relations entre le personnel scolaire et celui de santé publique autour de la politique d’activité physique quotidienne de l’Ontario dans les écoles élémentaires font l’objet de cette étude. Le personnel clé de 36 unités de santé publique de l’Ontario a été invité à répondre à un sondage sur ce sujet. Une analyse descriptive des réponses a permis d’évaluer leur rôle dans l’établissement de partenariats pour appuyer cette politique. L’engagement pour appuyer cette politique avec les conseils scolaires et les écoles est relativement peu élevé. Le manque de responsabilité réciproque du personnel scolaire et de santé publique représente un obstacle parmi de nombreux autres. L’appui et la promotion de la politique d’activité physique quotidienne en vue de son implantation peuvent être améliorés par le biais de liens plus étroits entre ces deux categories de personnel et des processus de communication innovateurs. 

Author Biographies

Kenneth R Allison, KR Allison Research Consulting

also Associate Professor (Adjunct), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto

Nour Schoueri-Mychasiw, Public Health Ontario

Senior Research Coordinator, Department of Health Promotion, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention

Erin Hobin, Public Health Ontario

Scientist, Health Department of Health Promotion, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention

Sonam Shah, University of Toronto

Faculty of Medicine

Karen Vu-Nguyen, The Regional Municipality of York

Program Evaluation Analyst, Child and Family Health Division, Public Health Branch, Community and Health Services

John J.M. Dwyer, University of Guelph

Associate Professor, Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition

Heather Manson, Public Health Ontario

Chief, Department of Health Promotion, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention 

Also Assistant Professor, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto

Jennifer Robertson, Public Health Ontario

Manager, IPAC Research

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Published

2018-11-28

Issue

Section

Feature Articles / Articles de fond