Perspectives of primary school teachers on the capacity of schools to support post‐pandemic health needs emerging among school‐age children

Abstract

BackgroundThis study aimed to explore the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on capacity building for health promotion in primary schools from the perspectives of primary school teachers.MethodsA cross‐sectional observational study was conducted via an anonymous online survey between February and May 2022. Three‐quarters (n2460) of all schools in the Republic of Ireland were invited to participate. Demographics such as gender, teaching experience, school type and delivering equality of opportunity in schools (DEIS) designation were collected. Perceived capacity for health promotion was measured on a 10‐point Likert scale. Facilitators and barriers related to health promotion and aspects of child health prioritised for health promotion in the 2 years after restrictions eased were explored via closed‐ and open‐ended questions.ResultsOf the 595 responses, 493 were eligible for analysis. Participants were based in schools in every county in the Republic of Ireland, with most (85.4%, n421) being female. Almost a third (30.5%, n150) were 11–20 years post‐qualification, and a quarter (25.2%, n124) had over 30 years' teaching experience. Mean capacity for school‐based health promotion pre‐pandemic was moderate, at 6.6 ± 2.2 on a 10‐point scale. Mean capacity in spring 2022 decreased significantly (p < 0.001) to 4.1 ± 2.4, indicating poor capacity. Capacity ratings did not significantly differ by school type (p = 0.31), socioeconomic designation (p = 0.27) or years post‐qualification (p = 0.08). Capacity decrements were most frequently (49.7%, n245) attributed to organisational factors, while individual and community‐level factors were cited by 27.6% (n136) and 21.5% (n106) of respondents, respectively. Healthy eating significantly (p < 0.001) decreased as a priority for health promotion between pre‐pandemic times (76.3%, n376) and spring 2022 (23.1%, n114). Mental health significantly (p < 0.01) increased as a priority, being listed by 38.1% (n188) as a priority pre‐pandemic and doubling to 72.6% (n358) in spring 2022.ConclusionsFostering a holistic approach to health promotion in schools remains a challenge. Further efforts are needed to support schools to implement sustainable and balanced systems of health promotion.