Parents' knowledge, attitudes and involvement in the comprehensive school health curriculum for grades 7, 8, and 9

Doyle, Bernadette M. (1999) Parents' knowledge, attitudes and involvement in the comprehensive school health curriculum for grades 7, 8, and 9. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and involvement of parents in the Comprehensive School Health Program and Curriculum, for grades 7, 8, and 9 within two schools in the Avalon East school district. New curricula was developed in this province and implemented based on the Comprehensive School Health (CSH) model. The CSH model emphasizes the role of parents as an integral component of health outcomes for children. This study focused specifically on parents' awareness of the "Adolescence: Healthy Lifestyles" curriculum, and health program overall. Parents' attitudes about the importance of topics taught in the health curriculum, and their involvement in aspects of the curriculum and program were also studied. Forty-nine parents responded to a written questionnaire and ten participated in indepth interviews. Results illustrated that 80 percent of parents were aware of the school health program, however further probing demonstrated that most parents' awareness was limited to a general awareness of the health course content. Parents demonstrated limited knowledge of the topics covered in the health course titled "Adolescence: Healthy Lifestyles" (20-50 percent were familiar). Sixty percent of parents could not recall any topics in particular, from the health course. Parents did indicate the importance of each topic covered in the curriculum (70 percent or more of parents identified all health topics as important for their child to learn about). Ninety percent of parents believed that the health course was important for their child, and 80 percent felt the health course was just as important as the other courses. Parents demonstrated not only limited and varied involvement with the school, but also an appreciation and understanding of the importance of this involvement. The indepth interviews enabled the researcher to discuss the parents' perspective of the differing roles the school and parents should play related to the health program. Future research might involve studying the entire school health program, seeking input from other partners such as teachers, guidance counselors, nurses, and students. Case studies or "best practices" could be identified that highlight unique ways schools address health. Further study locally should also address the extent and variability of implementation of the Comprehensive School Health Program at the school level.

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