The impact of school health program and parental involvement on student health behaviors: a correlational study

Study aims. This study aimed to investigate (1) the relationship between the implementation of the school health program (UKS, Usaha Kesehatan Sekolah) and the development of healthy behaviors in elementary school students; (2) the relationship between parental involvement and the development of healthy behaviors in elementary school students; and (3) the combined influence of the school health program and parental involvement on the development of healthy behaviors in elementary school students, and to determine which factor exerts a greater influence. Material and methods. A correlational quantitative research design was employed, utilizing a questionnaire survey administered to a sample of 214 students in grades 4–6, proportionally selected from a population of 2,131 students in Kapanewon Imogiri, Yogyakarta. The research instrument comprised questionnaires assessing school health program implementation, student health behaviors, and parental involvement. Data analysis involved multiple linear regression analysis following the assessment of normality and linearity assumptions. Results. The results demonstrated a significant positive correlation between: 1) the implementation of the school health program and students’ healthy behaviors (F = 11.248, p < 0.05); and 2) parental involvement and students’ healthy behaviors (F = 24.739, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the analysis also revealed that 3) both the school health program and parental involvement contribute significantly to students’ healthy behaviors, with parental involvement exhibiting a stronger influence (Beta = 0.362) compared to the school health program (Beta = 0.243). Analysis of multicollinearity indicated no significant issues within the model, with a tolerance value of 0.911 and a variance inflation factor (VIF) of 1.098. Conclusions. This research underscores the crucial role of both the school health program and parental involvement in fostering healthy behaviors among elementary school students. However, the role of parents had a more dominant influence. The findings emphasize the need for a synergistic approach, involving collaborative efforts between schools and families, to create a conducive environment that supports the development of healthy lifestyles in children.