School-Based Interventions for Migrant Students in the Framework of the Health Promoting Whole-School Approach: An Umbrella Review

Abstract

Health and school achievement play a crucial role in the integration of migrant students. This study aims to conduct an umbrella review of the effectiveness of school-based strategies on the academic and health outcomes of migrant school-aged children and youth and to link these intervention typologies to the Health Promoting School (HPS) approach. The study was conducted according to the PRISMA statement. Twenty-one reviews were analyzed, and 18 strategies were identified and categorized according to the six components of the HPS whole-school approach: individual skills, the school physical environment, school social environment, school policies, health and social services, and community links. Strategies related to five of the six components were identified, demonstrating that the HPS approach is a fitting framework to address migrant students’ needs. Moreover, evidence about the effects on both health and learning was shown; however, the integration of these two areas should be further explored. Finally, significant conditions that enhance or hinder implementation are described. Multi-component interventions and stakeholder engagement improve intervention impacts, while the relevance of cultural adaptation needs to be clarified. These results contribute to understanding the complexity of the challenges faced by migrant students and of the effective school-based strategies to promote their health and learning.