Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of a School-based Health and Well-being Program for Adolescent Girls
Tracks
Online
| Monday, March 28, 2022 |
| 3:30 PM - 3:50 PM |
Overview
Mrs Karen White, Nsw Department Of Education
Speaker
Mrs Karen White
PDHPE Teacher
Nsw Department Of Education
Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of a School-based Health and Well-being Program for Adolescent Girls
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives: The primary aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and impact of a school-based health and well-being program (Health and Wellbeing for Girls: HWBG) on adolescent girls’ well-being, mindfulness, screen-time and physical activity.
Design: Randomised controlled trial
Method: The HWBG program was evaluated using a group randomised controlled trial (RCT) in one secondary school. A convenience sample of female students in Grade 8 (mean age: 14 ± 0.5 years) was recruited for the study (n=4 classes; 89 girls). The 20-week multi-component HWBG program, guided by Self-Determination Theory and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, was designed and delivered by a member of the research team who is an experienced and qualified physical education teacher. Randomisation occurred at the class level (n=4 classes) into dose-matched treatment conditions (i.e., HWBG or elective course for wait-list control group) prior to baseline assessments. HWBG was implemented during 5 hours of timetabled curriculum time per fortnight over two school terms. Process evaluation measures of recruitment, retention, adherence and satisfaction were used to determine program feasibility. Preliminary efficacy of HWBG for improving mental and social health, screen-time and physical activity was measured and analysed using linear mixed models.
Results: Significant group-by-time improvements and medium effects resulted for mental (p=0.04, d=0.45) and social health (p=0.02, d=0.5). No significant intervention effects were found for levels of physical activity and screen time. Participant ratings showed high levels of perceived enjoyment as indicated in the evaluation data, (mean rating of 4.44 out of a possible 5.0) when asked whether the program was enjoyable.
Conclusion: In addition to improving pro-social outcomes and psychological wellbeing levels in adolescent females, this study provides preliminary support for HWBG as a potentially feasible, efficacious and enjoyable program suitable for use with adolescent girls in the secondary schools setting.
Objectives: The primary aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and impact of a school-based health and well-being program (Health and Wellbeing for Girls: HWBG) on adolescent girls’ well-being, mindfulness, screen-time and physical activity.
Design: Randomised controlled trial
Method: The HWBG program was evaluated using a group randomised controlled trial (RCT) in one secondary school. A convenience sample of female students in Grade 8 (mean age: 14 ± 0.5 years) was recruited for the study (n=4 classes; 89 girls). The 20-week multi-component HWBG program, guided by Self-Determination Theory and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, was designed and delivered by a member of the research team who is an experienced and qualified physical education teacher. Randomisation occurred at the class level (n=4 classes) into dose-matched treatment conditions (i.e., HWBG or elective course for wait-list control group) prior to baseline assessments. HWBG was implemented during 5 hours of timetabled curriculum time per fortnight over two school terms. Process evaluation measures of recruitment, retention, adherence and satisfaction were used to determine program feasibility. Preliminary efficacy of HWBG for improving mental and social health, screen-time and physical activity was measured and analysed using linear mixed models.
Results: Significant group-by-time improvements and medium effects resulted for mental (p=0.04, d=0.45) and social health (p=0.02, d=0.5). No significant intervention effects were found for levels of physical activity and screen time. Participant ratings showed high levels of perceived enjoyment as indicated in the evaluation data, (mean rating of 4.44 out of a possible 5.0) when asked whether the program was enjoyable.
Conclusion: In addition to improving pro-social outcomes and psychological wellbeing levels in adolescent females, this study provides preliminary support for HWBG as a potentially feasible, efficacious and enjoyable program suitable for use with adolescent girls in the secondary schools setting.
Biography
Karen White is currently working full-time as a PDHPE teacher at Newcastle High School and is completing a Masters Research degree in Education at the University of Newcastle. Karen’s research study investigates the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a school-based health and well-being program for adolescent girls.
