Citation

Busch V, de Leeuw JR, de Harder A, Schrijvers AJP. J. Sch. Health 2013; 83(7): 514-523.

Affiliation

PhD Student, (v.busch@umcutrecht.nl), University Medical Center Utrecht, Room Str. 5.122, PO Box 85500, Stratenum 6.131, Universiteitsweg 100, 3508 GA, Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, American School Health Association, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/josh.12060

PMID

23782095

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In approaches to health promotion in adolescents, unhealthy behaviors are no longer regarded as independent processes, but as interrelated. This article presents a systematic literature review of school-based interventions targeting multiple adolescent behaviors simultaneously. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Science Direct, and PsychInfo. Only papers written in English and describing original research were included. RESULTS: Of 33 papers included, 23 focused on quantitative behavioral changes, and 10 on the evaluation of intervention development, implementation, and/or institutionalization. Parental and community involvement in the intervention seemed to be positively associated with effective changes in student health behaviors, whereas creating a healthy school environment and/or policies were less strongly associated with intervention effectiveness. Findings indicated that, for adequate implementation, an intervention should be integrated in pre-existent school settings, fine-tuned to its target population or environment, involve family and the community, and be led by the school itself, with there being a "healthy school coordinator" to coordinate the program. CONCLUSION: A multi-behavior, multi-actor approach would appear to be the most effective way to promote, at school, healthy behaviors among adolescents.

Language: en