The effects of a combined physical activity and health education program on health knowledge and well‐being of socially vulnerable children

Abstract

AbstractThe purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the football‐based health education program “11 for Health” on health knowledge and well‐being in the setting of a 10‐week residential stay in a Danish charity home for socially vulnerable children. Six hundred and fourteen children participated in the study, of which 305 took part in the standard program plus “11 for Health” (SG+: 12.4 ± 1.4 (mean ± SD) years) and 309 took part in the standard program (SG: 12.4 ± 1.6 years). We used a crossover design over two full years. The study examined changes in health knowledge and well‐being through questionnaires. Overall health knowledge increased more in SG+ than SG over 10 weeks (6.6 vs. 3.4%, p < 0.05). The overall well‐being scores were markedly improved (p < 0.05) by 4.54 ± 7.17 AU in SG+ and 4.51 ± 7.16 AU in SG, with no between‐group differences. Specific improvements (p < 0.05) were seen in all well‐being subcategories, raising the well‐being scores to the national average. In conclusion, a 10‐week stay at a Danish charity home, the Christmas Seal Home, markedly affected health knowledge and well‐being of socially vulnerable children. When the football‐based health education program—11 for Health—was added, there were additional positive effects on health knowledge.