Experience and Scale-Up Potential of School-Based “Exersize/Physical Activity Prescription” Led by Public Health Nurses

Abstract

Background: Physical inactivity is a leading risk factor for noncommunicable diseases and has become a major public health concern worldwide. More than one-third of the global population fails to meet the World Health Organization’s recommendations for physical activity. In response to this challenge, there is a growing need to introduce innovative, evidence-based approaches to promote physical activity within public health services, one of which is the physical activity prescription. Aim: This review aims to summarize international experiences and evidence-based studies on school-based physical activity prescription led by public health nurses and to assess the feasibility of implementing this approach within school health services in Mongolia. Materials and Methods: A content analysis was conducted using primary and secondary sources related to physical activity prescription, the role of public health nurses, and school health services. Relevant international and national literature was reviewed and thematically synthesized for this study. Results: Evidence indicates that public health nurses play a crucial role in reducing physical inactivity and limiting the spread of noncommunicable diseases among adolescents. In Mongolia, public health nurses eligible to work in school settings have begun training through a tiered bachelor’s degree program. Promoting health through physical activity prescription for students is a key responsibility of public health nurses. Furthermore, there is a strong opportunity to expand school-based physical activity prescriptions in Mongolia by integrating them with the Olympic Values Education Programme, which is currently being implemented nationwide. Conclusion: Expanding school-based physical activity prescription within the scope of public health nursing, in alignment with the formal education system and the Olympic Values Education Programme, provides an important opportunity to integrate and align health promotion objectives across the health, education, and sports sectors.