A Novel Survey for Assessing Health-Promoting School Practices and Capacity: Validation and Adaptability to Physical Activity.

Background: Understanding current practice is crucial for implementing Health Promoting Schools (HPS) and Whole School Approaches to Physical Activity (WSA-PA). This study validated two survey tools to assess HPS and WSA-PA implementation, respectively.

Methods: Content validity was established via literature review and expert and target group consultations. Teachers at Danish schools for vulnerable youth (ages 16-25) completed surveys in fall 2023. Structural validity was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis, construct validity via the Multitrait-Multimethod (MTMM) approach, and reliability with Cronbach's Alpha, Omega H, and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient.

Results: A total of 921 staff at 78 schools participated (72% response rate). The HPS scale had 24 items, while the WSA-PA had 21 across various subfactors, such as school ethos, health services, and resources. Statistical analyses demonstrated good structural validity (e.g., RMSEA = 0.023 for HPS, RMSEA = 0.043 for WSA-PA) and acceptable reliability. MTMM confirmed both convergent and discriminant validity.

Implications For School Health Policy, Practice, And Equity: These tools can help schools monitor and improve HPS and WSA-PA implementation, supporting equity and informing national policies.

Conclusion: The validated tools can guide schools in enhancing HPS and WSA-PA practices. Further research should refine these instruments.