A scoping review of K-12 health education in Canada: understanding school stakeholders' perceptions

A scoping review was conducted, analyzing peer-reviewed literature published between 1995 and 2022, focusing on school stakeholders' perceptions of K-12 health education (HE) in Canada. The results included 37 studies, with articles focused on the perceptions of students, in-service and pre-service teachers, parents, undergraduate students, and health partners/ educational professionals. Using reflexive thematic analysis, three main themes were identified: (a) HE is perceived as a valuable school subject; (b) teachers are not prepared to teach HE; and (c) HE courses are not meeting the needs of students. The outcomes of the review underscore the importance and value of HE as perceived by school stakeholders and highlight the necessity for heightened advocacy efforts to enhance HE at all school levels. The review emphasizes the need for broader consultation and research involving diverse school stakeholder groups in order to promote the advancement of HE in Canadian schools.