Diffusion of an Integrated Health Education Program in an Urban School System: Planet Health

• Published in: Journal of pediatric psychology 2004-09, Vol.29 (6), p.467-474
• Main Authors: Wiecha, Jean L., El Ayadi, Alison M., Fuemmeler, Bernard F., Carter, Jill E., Handler, Shirley, Johnson, Stacy, Strunk, Nancy, Korzec-Ramirez, Debra, Gortmaker, Steven L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Boston; Community Participation; community-based participatory research; diffusion; Diffusion of Innovation; dissemination; Health Education - methods; Health Education - organization & administration; Health Plan Implementation; Humans; Obesity - prevention & control; obesity prevention; Pilot Projects; School Health Services - organization & administration; school-based health promotion; Urban Population
• ISSN: 0146-8693; 1465-735X
• DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsh050

Objective Assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and sustainability of Planet Health, an interdisciplinary, integrated health education curriculum implemented in six public middle schools. Methods Workshops on Planet Health implementation were attended by 129 teachers (language arts, math, science, and social studies) over three school years (1999–2000, 2000–2001, and 2001–2002). Questionnaires were administered post-implementation and in the fall and spring of each year. Outcomes were dose, acceptability, feasibility, and intent to continue use. Results The average number of lessons taught per teacher per year was 1.7 to 3.1, compared to a goal of 2 to 3. Each year, teachers reported high acceptability and perceived feasibility of the intervention, and the majority indicated they intended to continue using the curriculum. Conclusions Planet Health was feasible and acceptable in a participatory research model involving a public school–university partnership, and it was also sustainable independent of the research effort.