Long-term influence of a health education programme on knowledge and health behaviour in children.

Background: Aiming at an active lifestyle, healthy food habits and non-smoking among Swedish children, the Swedish Heart Lung Foundation initiated the health educational programme 'An adventure with Pelle Pump'. A study kit, including theoretical and practical material on heart-lung function and healthy behaviour, was offered to all fourth graders in Sweden. The impact of the programme was examined by studying health behaviours and health knowledge among programme participants using non-participants as a control population.

Methods: A questionnaire on health behaviour and health knowledge was answered by a random sample of 1369 children from different social classes and living conditions. Children subjected to the programme formed the programme group (n=523) and those without exposure served as a control group (n=846).

Results: Children in the programme group had a significantly higher level of knowledge (P<0.001) on questions relating to health behaviour and bodily functions. The actual health behaviour was, however, not affected by the programme.

Conclusion: Children exposed to a health education programme had, compared with a control population, 2 years after completing the programme, an increased level of knowledge; however, no difference was found in health behaviour.