Comparative Study on the Effectiveness of a Health Promotion Program Using School Forest and a Traditional School-based Health Promotion Program in Elementary Students

Purpose: This study compared the effects of two six-week school-based intervention programs - a health promotion program using a school forest and a traditional school health promotion program (TSHPP) - on physical and mental health among elementary school students. Methods: A total of 73 students participated in the study: 21 students in the 6-week school forest program conducted in a rural area and 52 students in the 6-week TSHPP conducted in an urban area. Children's health promotion behavior, depression and hyperactivity were measured using a self-report questionnaire. To assess children’s physical health, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, and heart rate variability (HRV) were used. Results: Overall, both intervention programs improved participants' physical and mental health. Both programs significantly decreased the body fat percentage; this effect was more prominent in the TSHPP group. Only the TSHPP significantly decreased the participants’ BMI after the intervention. The school forest group showed significantly improved relaxation and diminished hyperactivity; the TSHPP group showed significantly improved health promoting behavior and social relationship after the intervention. Comparing the two groups’post-pre difference scores, the two groups significantly differed only in social relationship. Both group showed significantly improved depression after the intervention. Conclusion: These findings support the effectiveness of these 6-week school-based health promotion programs in improving physical and mental health among school-aged children.