Program and School Characteristics Related to Teacher Participation in School Health Promotion

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate conditions related to teacher participation in the planning and implementation of the Norwegian part of the European Network of Health Promoting Schools. One hundred and four teachers responded to the questionnaire at baseline and at three year follow-up. Teachers' personal interest and regard for the program aim were the main predictors of their self-reported participation in the program. Conditions perceived as enabling or hindering program implementation, as well as baseline characteristics of school culture and professional discretion were to a high extent related to participation in the program (Multiple R2 = .52). Health promotion aiming at increasing the students' wellbeing and improving the school environment seemed to have been well received by teachers, and enabled their participation in the program. The findings imply that programs encouraging networking are likely to be successful in engaging teachers, and that such networking yields ample opportunities for professional learning.