Daily Physical Activity (DPA) in Schools: Roles of Public Health Unit Personnel in Supporting the Policy
Keywords:
Policy evaluation, organization of school health programsAbstract
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.
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