Document Type

Capstone Experience

Graduation Date

5-2020

Degree Name

Master of Public Health

Department

Health Promotion

First Committee Member

Keyonna King, DrPH, MA

Second Committee Member

Athena K. Ramos, PhD, MBA, MS, CPM

Third Committee Member

Sarah Sjolie, MPA

Fourth Committee Member

Sheena Kennedy Helgenberger, MA

Abstract

The School Health Index tool from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has been a useful tool to identify needs and areas of improvement for schools. This tool is most effective when used in collaboration with school staff and assistance from an outside facilitator. The purpose of this evaluation was to determine the administration efficiency of the School Health Index in select schools throughout the Omaha Public School (OPS) district by The Wellbeing Partners. A process evaluation was conducted to: 1) assess the relationship between the schools’ wellness champions at five Omaha Public School (OPS) elementary schools and The Wellbeing Partners’ Youth Wellness Coordinator and 2) to assess the School Health Index administration protocols to improve efficiency and reliability. Interviews were conducted with the school wellness champions and the Youth Wellness Coordinator were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to identify emerging themes. A satisfaction survey was administered to the school wellness champions. Five main themes were identified: program benefits, program support, program barriers, facilitator benefits, and future needs. Findings from the interviews showed that success in the use of the SHI looked different for each school due to available resources. Support from the Youth Wellness Coordinator was said to be sufficient yet an increase in her presence at the school during the completion of the SHI was suggested by both the school wellness champions and the Youth Wellness Coordinator. Descriptive statistics from the satisfaction survey showed all participants were satisfied with the support from The Wellbeing Partners and their Youth Wellness Coordinator. All participants also reported they would recommend a partnership with The Wellbeing Partners to other schools. Recommendations were given based on the interviews and satisfaction survey findings.

Download

Share

COinS