To characterize health education and school-based health services concerning cardiometabolic conditions available in US public high schools.
Approach:
Survey Methodology: Data was obtained from the School Health Profiles surveillance system, which included surveys completed by school principals and lead health education teachers in 2022 across 45 states and Washington DC.
Data Analysis: Weighted percentages and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for affirmative responses regarding school-based education and services for preventing or treating cardiometabolic conditions.
Key Findings:
Cardiometabolic conditions are increasingly prevalent among children and adolescents in the US.
Selected school-based programs and interventions have improved physical activity and the nutritional quality of foods and meals offered in schools.
There is a lack of comprehensive inventory regarding health education and services in schools.
Interpretation:
The findings highlight the potential of school environments to address cardiometabolic health through structured health education and services.
Limitations:
The study excluded schools that lacked valid identifiers or offered specialized curricula.
Estimates for chronic disease health education and services among other majority schools were suppressed due to limited sample size.
Conclusion:
Timely analysis of school programs is needed to support national efforts in improving youth health and well-being.
by Ibrahim Zaganjor, Ryan Saelee, Ahlia Sekkarie, Meda E. Pavkov, Alain K. Koyama, Jeong Ha Choi, Stephen Onufrak, Daesung Choi, Sola Han, Kathleen H. Krause
