Facilitating the implementation and efficacy of health-promoting schools via an action-research approach in Taiwan

Fong Ching Chang, Chieh Hsing Liu*, Li Ling Liao, Yu Zhen Niu, Chi Chia Cheng, Hsin Pei Chou, Tzu Chau Chang

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Taiwan launched its evidence-based health-promoting school (HPS) program via an action-research approach in 2010. The program featured a collaborative partnership between schools, local education authorities and university support networks. This study was focused on examining whether an HPS action-research approach was effective in advancing HPS implementation, perceived HPS impact and perceived HPS efficacy in Taiwan. In 2011, questionnaires were sent to 900 sample schools in Taiwan. A total of 621 schools returned the questionnaire, including 488 primary schools and 133 middle schools. The response rate was 69%. This study compared the difference in HPS implementation status, perceived HPS impact and perceived HPS efficacy between those schools that had implemented actionresearch HPS (138 schools) and those that had not (483 schools). The univariate analysis results indicated that the HPS implementation levels for components that included school health policies, physical environment, social environment, teaching activities and schoolcommunity relations were significantly higher in actionresearch schools than in non-Action-research schools. Teachers in action-research schools reported significantly higher levels of HPS impact and HPS efficacy than non-Action-research schools. The multivariate analysis results indicated that after controlling for school level and HPS funding, the HPS action-research approach was significantly positively related to greater levels of HPS implementation, perceived HPS impact and perceived HPS efficacy.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)306-316
Number of pages11
JournalHealth Promotion International
Volume29
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014 Jun

Keywords

  • Taiwan
  • action-research
  • efficacy
  • health-promoting school

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Facilitating the implementation and efficacy of health-promoting schools via an action-research approach in Taiwan'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this