‘We're Not in a Place Where We Can Thrive Yet’: A Qualitative Exploration of Systems of Health Promotion in Primary Schools in the Aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic

IF 1.8 4区医学 Q2 PEDIATRICS

Child Care Health and Development Pub Date : 2025-02-10 DOI:10.1111/cch.70044

Annemarie E. Bennett

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Abstract

Background

Health promotion in schools can be defined as any activity undertaken to improve the health of all school users. This qualitative study aimed to explore the systems of health promotion in primary schools in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, from the perspectives of teachers and principals in the Republic of Ireland.

Methods

Participants were recruited using snowball and convenience sampling techniques via a larger quantitative study. Participants joined 45-min online focus groups informed by a semi-structured interview guide. A reflexive thematic approach was taken to analysis.

Results

Thirty teachers participated, and most (n = 26) identified as female. Teaching experience across the sample ranged from 2 to 38 years. School sizes ranged from 20 to 850 students. All types of eligible publicly funded schools were represented. Three themes were generated: rebuilding the foundation, choosing within our limits and drawing the line.

Conclusion

Findings indicate that systems of health promotion in primary schools were severely challenged during the COVID-19 pandemic and that recovery will be lengthy. School communities are well-positioned to have a leading role in primary and secondary disease prevention, but investment is needed to establish resilient frameworks for health promotion as child health issues provoked by the pandemic are addressed over the coming years.

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来源期刊

Child Care Health and Development 医学-小儿科

CiteScore

3.40

自引率

5.30%

发文量

136

审稿时长

4-8 weeks

期刊介绍： Child: care, health and development is an international, peer-reviewed journal which publishes papers dealing with all aspects of the health and development of children and young people. We aim to attract quantitative and qualitative research papers relevant to people from all disciplines working in child health. We welcome studies which examine the effects of social and environmental factors on health and development as well as those dealing with clinical issues, the organization of services and health policy. We particularly encourage the submission of studies related to those who are disadvantaged by physical, developmental, emotional and social problems. The journal also aims to collate important research findings and to provide a forum for discussion of global child health issues.