Theories of how the school environment impacts on student health: systematic review and synthesis

Health Place. 2013 Nov:24:242-9. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2013.09.014. Epub 2013 Oct 9.

Abstract

Public-health interventions informed by theory can be more effective but complex interventions often use insufficiently complex theories. We systematically reviewed theories of how school environments influence health. We included 37 reports drawing on 24 theories. Narrative synthesis summarised and categorised theories. We then produced an integrated theory of school environment influences on student health. This integrated theory could inform complex interventions such as health promoting schools programmes. Using systematic reviews to develop theories of change might be useful for other types of 'complex' public-health interventions addressing risks at the individual and community levels.

Keywords: Adolescent; Complex intervention; Review; Schools; Theory.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child Welfare*
  • Environment*
  • Humans
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Schools*