Australia: Perspectives in School Health

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Abstract
Australia, a predominantly industrialized, urban-based nation, has health problems similar to most developed countries. The federal and state relationship in Australia perpetuates a similarity between programs and practices across the country, especially in health and education. During the past decade, several research programs related to the primary prevention of Australia's major health issues were conducted. Determinations of program success have been established from these programs and their international counterparts. Guidelines and principles are discussed in the context of two recent health initiatives and are presented as indicative of current developments in Australia. For this article, a one-in-five sample of South Australian schools was surveyed regarding the health education programs and practices. Survey results and two initiatives are presented against a background of Australian health data.