Community-based infectious disease prevention awareness through children's creative works: outreach embedded in school-based action research

Background Collaborating with schools, a key social and educational environment for children, is considered beneficial for implementing health education. Although child-focused public health activities are conducted globally, few have been documented in the academic literature. Objective This project aimed to provide children with opportunities to engage in infectious disease prevention and health-related activities. Methods From 2018 to 2024, we collaborated with schools to conduct public health awareness activities and contests using posters and Senryu created by children in Sapporo. Senryu is a short form of Japanese poetry. This activity was designed as an outreach activity within the framework of action research. Practice In the early stages of the project, principals and other school administrators served as the primary contacts for the research team. As the project progressed, however, Yogo-teachers, specially trained school health professionals in Japan who are responsible for health education, first aid, and the coordination of school health activities, became the main collaborators. Conclusions We succeeded in sustaining a long-term regional academic partnership. To integrate public health education into school activities, the cooperation of school personnel dedicated to the wellbeing of children was essential. Researchers, together with stakeholders from local governments, companies, organizations, and local communities, cooperated in running the contest. Overall, this project illustrates how sustained collaboration with schools, particularly through the engagement of Yogo-teachers, can facilitate the integration of public health education into routine school practice and support the development of long-term community-academic partnerships.