Document Type : Research Article (s)

Authors

• Sofia Wolker Manta ¹
• Kelly Samara da Silva ²
• Cassiano Ricardo Rech ²
• Bruno Goncalves Galdino da Costa ¹
• Tayna Iha ³
• Adair da Silva Lopes ²
• Markus Vinicius Nahas ²

¹ Master of Science, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil

² PhD. in Physical Education, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil

³ Academic Degree in Physical Education, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil

Abstract

Background: Perception school climate has been investigated for contributing to health promotion policies and education in the school environment. In low- and middle-incomes countries, tracking information with respect to these perceptions are still scarce.
Objectives: To analyze the changes in the perception of adolescents on the school climate during the course of a decade in the state of Santa Catarina, in southern Brazil.
Methods: Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 2001 (n = 5.028) and 2011 (n = 6.529) among public high school students (15 to 19 years old). Factors related to the negative perception of the school climate were evaluated using a structured questionnaire.
Results: After ten years, there were significant differences in the proportion of adolescents who had a negative perception of the time spent in school (from 3.1% to 16.3%), of their relationship with peers (from 3.0% to 13.5%), and their relationship with teachers and staff (from 2.9% to 7.2%).
Conclusions: Students reported having a worse perception of the school social environment. Interventions that encourage the adoption and maintenance of positive social relationships and healthy habits are needed in the school community.

Keywords

• Social Environment
• Perception
• Adolescents
• High School