Perceptions of school health: A study of selected primary schools in the St. George East Education District of Trinidad and Tobago

Abstract

This study investigated teachers' perceptions of school health in 18 primary government and government-assisted schools in the St. George East Education District of Trinidad and Tobago. School health issues have emerged as significant factors in promoting effective learning in our school system. Children learn best when they are healthy, safe, and in close and enduring relationships with family, peers, and teachers. Recent research on school health has revealed that healthy schools allow students to make healthier choices and improve their overall academic outcomes. Also, healthy schools influence the development of healthy habits and produce the desired changes in students' health behaviours. Four key health categories-community-school linkages, school environmental factors, administrative and technical support, and student-related issues-were used to ascertain the state of health in our schools and make comparisons among them