The Helping Everyone Achieve Long Term Health Passport: exploring potential use of the HEALTH Passport in primary and secondary schools.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Chronic disease is a significant burden on the global population. The Helping Everyone Achieve Long Term Health (HEALTH) Passport is a paper-based approach previously utilized to help adults modify clinical risk factors through lifestyle, which may be effective in improving the long-term health of school-age children. This study investigates the feasibility of in-school use by engaging trainee teachers in primary and secondary education. METHODS: Two hundred and fifty six unique responses were collated to evaluate current teaching of the main health risk factors and HEALTH Passports specifically adapted for schools. Trainees attended workshops with pre- and post-questionnaires used to measure training efficacy and evaluate the Passports' suitability for in-school use. Narrative analysis of feedback was performed. RESULTS: Feedback received for both Passports was positive overall. Trainees highlighted the need for the Passports to be further age differentiated. Significantly increased confidence (P < 0.01) in knowledge of exercise, type 2 diabetes, weight and blood pressure was shown. Confidence in smoking, drugs and alcohol knowledge was reduced highlighting the requirement for further teacher training. CONCLUSIONS: The HEALTH Passport has potential as an intervention to improve health literacy in school-age children. Age adaptation is needed with references to weight measures removed. Emotional well-being should be focused on, and data management stringently assessed for child protection.