Improving healthy habits of students in Andalusia based on Health Promoting School (HPS) approach

Abstract Introduction Despite the positive experience of promoting healthy lifestyles programme based on HPS approach in schools in Andalusia since 2015, there is still room for improvement, such as the low fruit consumption among adolescents (HBSC 2021/22 study). Intervention Within the context of the SCHOOLS4HEALTH project (S4H) to introduce, strengthen and sustain the adoption of the HPS approach in the EU, Andalusia is contributing with its ‘Health Promoting Schools’ programme, based on the HPS model, as a good practice to be adapted and piloted in other EU areas. Besides, we have adapted the good practice (GP) ‘Snacks & Chill’, which aims to promote the consumption of healthy snacks among adolescents by serving them in an attractive way and spaces in high schools. The pilot is being carried out in 5 secondary schools (HS), with the participation/support of different entities: regional ministries of Health, Education and Agriculture; city councils (CC), parents’ associations, etc. The governance includes: Steering Committee (institutional representatives), Technical Committee (HS and the school nurse from each HS), Local Committees (teachers, students, families and the school nurse) and the coordination team of the Andalusian S4H. Following a collaborative methodology, a work plan was designed at different levels, including, among other: Competition between students of the participating HS to design the Andalusian name-logo adapted to our context: “Momentos Disfruta”. Identification of the needs of each HS. Organise the logistics. Outcomes During the first 3 months of the pilot, weekly deliveries of healthy snacks were made to approximately 900 students from the 5 schools, equivalent to approximately 1,500 kg of food. Conclusions The participatory whole-of-school approach followed in Andalusia is identified as an effective way to achieve collaboration between different administrations and stakeholders to effectively promote healthy lifestyle habits among secondary school students. Key messages • The success of transferring to local contexts requires the involvement of local stakeholders from the outset, including students, teachers and representatives from municipalities and the health system. • Previous joint work between Health, Education and Agriculture authorities on developing a Health Promoting School programme eased the implementation of good practices on healthy lifestyles.