Assessment of Primary School Science Teachers' Knowledge towards Health Promotion in Baghdad City

Abstract

Objective: Assessment of primary schools science teachers' knowledge towards health promotion in Baghdad City.
Methodology: A descriptive study was conducted at (100) primary school at Al-Rasafa, and Al-Karkh sectors in
Baghdad City, from November 29th 2007 to January 20th 2009. A probability stratified random sample of (100)
teachers who teach science subject was selected, and had at least one year of employment in the teaching field. A
questionnaire format was used which was consisted of (2) parts. The overall number of the items included in the
questionnaire were (205) items. The first part was related to the demographic data of the teachers, the second part
(six sections) was concerned with teachers' knowledge about health promotion. Reliability and validity of
questionnaire was estimated through a pilot study. Data were analyzed through the application of descriptive
statistical analysis which included; frequency and percentage, and the application of inferential statistical analysis
which included; mean of score, Pearson correlation coefficient and Chi-square test.
Results. The study revealed that teachers have acquired moderate level of knowledge about nutrition, communicable
diseases, immunization and vaccination, injuries and accidents, obesity, acute illness problems, dental problems,
social and psychological development, water and lead pollution, radiation, noise problems, waste disposal and plants
problems. Concerning the relationship between teachers' knowledge and their demographic characteristics, data
analysis has showed that there is no association between teachers' knowledge and their ages, gender, and sectors.
While, there is a significant associations between teachers' knowledge and their educational level, years of
employment and training sessions.
Recommendations: The study recommends that there is a need for health promotion-oriented education program
which can be designed, constructed and presented to primary school teachers with great emphasis on all aspects of
health promotion. Furthermore, teacher can be nominated and encouraged to actively participate in health promotion
training sessions. Also, the importance of a collaborative work which can be initiated between the Ministry of
Education and the Ministry of Health to create facilities for the implementation of health promotion oriented
education program.