HEALTH PROTECTING PROGRAM, MENTAL HEALTH AND PSYCHOSOCIAL WELL-BEING AS PART QUALITY OF LIFE IN SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN

A supportive school environment and adequate physical activity are crucial for enhancing children's overall health and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). Regular physical activity in children is associated with improved fitness, higher cardiometabolic health, and better mental and psychosocial well-being. Objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of a health-preserving school program on children’s HRQoL, with particular focus on mental health. Material and methods. A cross-sectional study included 79 healthy schoolchildren aged 11–12 years. The main group (32 participants) underwent a specialized health-preserving school program for one year, and results were compared with a control group (47 children). HRQL was assessed using the generic CF-87 questionnaire, emphasizing psychological well-being, self-esteem, and general mental health. The recommended principles of bioethics were adhered to during the research. Results. The school-based program promoted physical activity and fitness through collaborative games and group tasks. While total HRQoL scores were slightly higher in the main group, mental and psychosocial self-esteem indicators showed significant improvement (80.6 ± 2.8% vs. control group 68.2 ± 3.3%, p < 0.05). Participants in the main group reported better functioning in schoolwork, sports participation, communication, friendship-building, and family relationships over the preceding month. Conclusions. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of experiential health-preserving school programs in increasing physical activity and positively influencing children’s HRQoL, particularly mental health and psychosocial self-esteem