Voices from Pupil Participation in the Health Promotion Intervention “Pulse for Learning and Health [PuLH]” in Primary and Middle School
1
School of Health and Welfare, Halmstad University, 30118 Halmstad, Sweden
2
Department of Food and Nutrition, and Sport Science, University of Gothenburg, 41120 Gothenburg, Sweden
3
Department of Research and Development within Education, Region Jönköping County, 55111 Jönköping, Sweden
4
Department of Public Health and Community Medicine/Primary Health Care, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41390 Gothenburg, Sweden
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(22), 4543; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16224543
Received: 19 September 2019 / Revised: 11 November 2019 / Accepted: 12 November 2019 / Published: 17 November 2019
(This article belongs to the Section Children's Health)
In order to improve the learning conditions and health of schoolchildren, the Pulse for Learning and Health [PuLH] program in Sweden has introduced additional mandatory moderate to vigorous physical activity [MVPA] that lasts for 30 min three times a week. The PE teachers used a child-centered coaching approach to support all pupils. The aim of this study was to explore pupils’ perception and experience of PuLH that has been implemented in primary and middle schools in Sweden. We have taken into account children’s rights perspectives and adopted an exploratory and interpretive approach. In total, 73 pupils (34 girls, 39 boys, grades 4–9) were recruited through purposive sampling. 13 focus group interviews (n = 71) and individual interviews (n = 2) were carried out. All interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The analysis resulted in three major themes: ‘promotes academic performance and a learning school environment’, ‘promotes health and well-being’, and ‘individual and structural barriers’. From children’s perspective, the results highlight the importance of teachers and principals taking into account the interests and needs of all pupils, to have a well-planned MVPA intervention and to deal with issues regarding body ideals.
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Keywords:
children’s perspective; coaching; health promotion; learning; MVPA; pupils; well-being
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MDPI and ACS Style
Lindgren, E.-C.; Haraldsson, K.; Håman, L. Voices from Pupil Participation in the Health Promotion Intervention “Pulse for Learning and Health [PuLH]” in Primary and Middle School. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16, 4543.
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