Healthy School Activation Program: A Physical Activity Education and Intervention Strategy to Reduce Sedentary Behaviour in Elementary Students

Abstract

The Healthy School Activation program was designed to address the growing concerns of sedentary lifestyles, limited health knowledge, and low physical activity among elementary school students. It seeks to cultivate healthier behaviors, improve learning focus, and promote a collaborative school culture involving students, teachers, and parents. This qualitative study involved 120 fifth grade students from two elementary schools in Muara Bulian, divided into intervention and control groups. Ten teachers participated as key informants. Data collection methods included questionnaires, anthropometric assessments, and semi-structured interviews. The intervention led to a 35% increase in students' physical activity levels and improved health knowledge from 40% to 85%. A notable reduction in body mass index was observed among overweight students. Positive shifts were also reported in students’ attitudes toward physical activity, accompanied by enhanced focus and peer interaction in the classroom. Findings suggest that the program is effective in promoting active and healthy lifestyles among elementary students. The program adopts a collaborative strategy involving educators and families, providing a feasible model for promoting active lifestyles and fostering a supportive, health oriented school culture that can be implemented broadly and sustainably.

Keywords

• Educational Intervention
• Elementary School Students
• Healthy School
• Physical Activity
• Sedentary Lifestyle