The Nordic Countries: Perspectives in School Health

• Published in: Journal of School Health
• Main Authors: Klepp, Knut‐Inge, Anderssen, Norman
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 1990
• Subjects: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health; Philosophy; Education; Norway; Iceland
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1746-1561.1990.tb05950.x; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1111%2Fj.1746-1561.1990.tb05950.x; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1746-1561.1990.tb05950.x

ABSTRACT: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden constitute a geographical and cultural entity referred to as the Nordic countries. These countries all enjoy a high standard of living, and the health of their children can be characterized as good in comparison to that of earlier generations and that of many other nations. In the Nordic countries, school health services constitute a compulsory component of school systems and are free to all students. During the past decade, the World Health Organization's “Health for All by the Year 2000” goals were adopted, including goals for Nordic school health programs. However, school health programs are a neglected area compared to the emphasis placed on other health services. Reasons to improve health education and health services provided within the school setting in the Nordic countries are presented. Several interpersonal, intrapersonal, and organizational barriers to a more active health promotion effort also are identified.