Evaluation of third grade materials about health-based contents by application of Health Education Curriculum Analysis Tool

Abstract

Background: Health education is integral to the primary mission of schools. It provides young people with the knowledge and skills they need to become successful learners and healthy and productive adults. The results of Health Education Curriculum Analysis Tool (HECAT ) may help schools select or develop appropriate and effective health education curricula and improve the delivery of health education. Based on the HECAT, the third grade curriculum was assessed in accordance to health-related items. Methods: A multi-method research was used to investigate the textbooks and process the data. Based on purposive sampling, curriculum committees were consisted of teachers, elementary school principals, members of the parents- teachers’ associations, and health care experts. Three HECAT health topic modules such as healthy eating, physical activity, and safety were evaluated. Results: All modules obtained coverage percentages of below 34%. The highest mean coverage percentage belonged to the safety module (25.59%) and the lowest to healthy eating (12.78%) respectively. Conclusion: The HECAT contains guidance, appraisal tools, and resources for carrying out a clear, complete, and consistent examination of health education curricula. With regards to health promotion approaches, some textbooks have not paid enough attention to what ought to be our highest priority among children.