CDPHP Collaborative News - School Health Profiles Survey: A Spotlight on School Health Policies and Practices - APRIL 2018

Alaska Section of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

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APRIL 2018


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Spotlight on:

School Health Profiles Survey — School Health Policies and Practices

School nurse with young elementary school boy in her office.

Have you ever wondered what percentage of Alaska secondary schools sell candy in vending machines, school stores or snack bars? It’s 8%, down from 54% in 2002.[1]

Did you know that in 50% of schools, students take only one required health education course in grades 6-12?

Did you know only 15% of secondary schools have a full-time registered nurse who provides health services to students?

These important indicators of school health — and many more — are studied in the biennial School Health Profiles surveys, also called Profiles. The Profiles results provide valuable information to guide Alaska toward educating healthy, successful students. Healthy students do better academically.[2] Healthy students have lower absenteeism rates, fewer behavioral issues, and higher graduation rates. The 2018 Profiles surveys are currently underway throughout Alaska in every school district and 239 secondary schools.

The Profiles are Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) surveys that have been conducted in Alaska every even year since 1996 by the Department of Education and Early Development and the Department of Health and Social Services. The survey results are used to monitor the status of school health policies and practices in grades 6-12 in Alaska and nationwide. Topic areas include health education, physical education and physical activity, nutrition environment, professional development, school-based health services, tobacco use prevention, family engagement, community involvement and others. Over time, the Profiles trend data show whether Alaska schools are increasing the number of policies and practices that assist the mission of the Alaska School Health Program: “to promote and support all domains of school and student health and to provide and create conditions where every student can reach his/her potential physically, emotionally, mentally and academically.”

Regular nationwide assessment of school health policies and practices is necessary to understand the school health landscape. Survey results help identify successes in school health as well as areas for improvement. These results can inform decision-makers at both governmental and community agencies.

“The School Health Profiles play a major role in measuring the success of our efforts to improve the health and academic success of Alaska students”, said Lauren Kelsey, School Partnership Coordinator with Alaska’s Obesity Prevention & Control Program.  “Profiles data helped us to highlight the impact of strong school wellness policies on reducing junk foods sold to Alaska students.”    

The Profiles consist of two separate surveys, one for principals and one for health teachers. A minimum response rate of 70% must be achieved to ensure validity and reliability of the data.

The survey results are completely anonymous. All school, school district and employee information is kept confidential. The final reports consist of combined statewide data and are posted both on the CDC Profiles website and the Alaska School Health Profiles website.

References:

  1. All indicators are from the Alaska 2016 School Health Profiles Trend Analysis Report
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Health-Related Behaviors and Academic Achievement Among High School Students — United States, 2015. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 66 (35). 

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Save the Date -
April 2018


2018 AKANA (Alaska Association of Nurse Anesthetists) Annual Meeting

  • When: April 7-8, 2018
  • Where: Sheraton, Anchorage
  • Learn More>

......

Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Institute & Child, Adolescent & Family Behavioral Health Conferences

  • When: April 9-13, 2018
  • Where: Sheraton, Anchorage
  • Learn More>

......

2018 Full Lives Conference

  • When: April 11-13, 2018
  • Where: Hotel Captain Cook, Anchorage
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......

2018 ASNA (Alaska School Nurses Association) Annual Spring Conference

"The Building Blocks of School Nursing"

  • When: April 13-15, 2018
  • Where: Embassy Suites, Anchorage
  • Learn More>

......

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)

  • When: April 20, 2018
  • Where: BP Energy Center, Anchorage
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......

40th Annual Alaska Heart Run

  • When: April 21, 2018
  • Where: Alaska Airlines Center, Anchorage
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......

Annual Kidney Education Symposium

  • When: April 21, 2018
  • Where: Anchorage Senior Center
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Save the Date -
April 2018 (cont.)


Trauma 101

  • When: April 25, 2018
  • Where: UAF Kuskokwim Campus, Bethel, AK
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......

26th Annual Alaska Breastfeeding Coalition Conference

  • When: April 26-27, 2018
  • Where: The Lakefront Hotel, Anchorage
  • Learn More>

......

Traditional Health Based Practices (THBP)

  • When: April 27, 2018
  • Where: UA Video Conference
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......

2018 Mark Brody Memorial Kidney Walk

  • When: April 29, 2018
  • Where: Wendler Middle School, Anchorage
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Save the Date -
May 2018


Alaska Chapter of the American College of Physicians Annual Meeting

  • When: May 3-5, 2018
  • Where: Sheraton Hotel, Anchorage
  • Learn More>

......

44th Annual School on Addictions and Behavioral Health

"Alcohol and Opioid Use Disorders: Advances in Treatment and Recovery"

  • When: May 7-9, 2018
  • Where: Sheraton Hotel, Anchorage
  • Learn More>

......

Alaska Dental Society Annual Meeting

  • When: May 11-12, 2018
  • Where: Sheraton Hotel, Anchorage
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Save the Date -
June 2018


8th Annual Nuka System of Care Conference

  • When: June 18-22, 2018
  • Where: Alaska Native Heritage Center
  • Learn More>