Non-Communicable Diseases Preventive Program Outcomes at Elementary Schools Using the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child Model

Abdelalim Ibrahim, Fatma; Elsayed Hammour, Zeinab

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2024.400892

Non-Communicable Diseases Preventive Program Outcomes at Elementary Schools Using the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child Model

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Assistant Prof of Community Health Nursing - College of Nursing - Misr University for Science and Technology.

² Professor of Community Medicine & Industrial Medicine-Faculty of Medicine - Al-Azhar University,

10.21608/ejhc.2024.400892

Abstract

Background: Lifestyle behaviors are established during childhood periods. Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors are contributing to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Aim: This study aimed to assess the outcomes of NCDs preventive program at elementary schools using the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model. Methods: A quasi-experimental study design was conducted in two governmental elementary schools as intervention and control during the academic year 2023-2024. A total of 488 first-grade schoolchildren, their mothers and 45 schoolteachers participated in the study. Data collection was carried out across the ten WSCC components through four parts. Part I: Assessment of sociodemographic characteristics of the study participants, and school environment. Base-endline assessments (parts II, III and IV): II- First-grade schoolchildren were assessed through five tools: tool I to assess health lifestyle-related behaviors and Tool II-V to assess the relevant life skills related to prevention of NCDs modifiable risk factors. III- Schoolchildren mothers assessed for health lifestyle-related behaviors and their general knowledge regarding NCDs. IV- Schoolteachers were assessed for health-promoting behaviors profile. Results: Most schoolchildren’s mothers reported not having enough family income, schools were lacking health educational materials related to the NCD risk factors. Significant improvements (p ≤ 0.05) were shown in the intervention school among first-grade schoolchildren in lifestyle-related behaviors and relevant life skills, schoolchildren mothers’ health lifestyle-related behaviors and general Knowledge of NCDs, as well as schoolteachers health-promoting lifestyle profile. Conclusions: The NCDs preventive program at elementary schools across the ten WSCC model can improve adoption of healthy lifestyle-related behaviors and relevant life skills necessary to prevent NCDs modifiable risk factors.

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