HealthWise: An evidence-based risk prevention programme for school-going adolescents

Background: As part of the transformation of the health care system towards health for all by the year 2020, occupational therapists globally are challenged to define their role within health promotion and risk prevention.... [ view full abstract ]

Background: As part of the transformation of the health care system towards health for all by the year 2020, occupational therapists globally are challenged to define their role within health promotion and risk prevention. Adolescents living in socially disorganised communities are a vulnerable group in society. Schools offer an ideal setting for occupational therapists to partner with teachers to promote adolescent health and address risk behaviour. HealthWise South Africa is an evidence-based programme that reduces substance use and sexual risk, and promotes health through constructive use of leisure amongst high-school students.
Method: A study was conducted to determine the efficacy of the HealthWise programme in Cape Town (South Africa). This was a longitudinal, experimental study with three cohorts of students (n= 6000) in nine high schools.
Results: Results showed that HealthWise was effective in reducing both substance use and sexual risk (Smith et al., 2008) and that leisure variables (e.g. boredom and motivation) as well as type of activity participation (e.g. spending time with friends) were associated with substance use and sexual risk (Caldwell, Patrick, Smith, Palen, & Wegner, 2010). HealthWise was well received by both teachers and students.
Conclusion: HealthWise provides useful lessons for occupational therapists working within a health promotion population-based framework in high school settings.
Application to Practice: Recommendations are made which draw on occupational therapists’ understanding of the connection between occupation and health to promote youth health though leisure exploration and participation, and develop leisure programmes in schools.