Association between schools' healthy space and happiness in Thailand primary schools

Mini-Oral Presentation A1.8

Authors

  • Aubdul Aunampai Mahidol University
  • Piyawat Katewongsa Mahidol University
  • Dyah Anantalia Widyastari Mahidol University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.431

Keywords:

Healthy Space, Student's Happiness, Thailand Primary School

Abstract

Background: School as the main setting where children spend most of their daily lives plays a significant role in determining children’s happiness. Purpose: The purpose of the study is to investigate the association between schools’ healthy space and happiness of primary school students in Thailand's urban and rural areas. Methods: Thailand Healthy School Data 2017 was employed. A total of 7,825 primary school students from 160 schools in 9 regions Thailand were included in the analysis. The Healthy School questionnaire collected participant characteristics and assessed school environment including: 1) outdoor environment, 2) indoor environment and 3) quality of space for physical activity. Results: Overall, the quality of space for physical activity in school (an open courtyard, a sports field with concrete floor and rubber floor for indoor activities and a playground with sand, grass, rubber or ground surface) has a significant effect on the happiness of primary school students. Girls and early graders scored higher on the happiness scale than boys and students in higher grades. Rural students are relatively happier (94.8%) than their urban counterparts (92.6%). Conclusions: Not only the students’ gender and age will determine their happiness, but also the school environment, in particular schools that have areas for children to play independently, will affect the happiness and health of students and also affect the development and success of learning. Funding: This study is funded by Thai Health Promotion Foundation.

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Aunampai, A., Katewongsa, P., & Widyastari, D. A. (2021). Association between schools’ healthy space and happiness in Thailand primary schools: Mini-Oral Presentation A1.8. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.431

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