SHAPES-PEI releases results from 2014-15 Provincial Student Health Profile
The University of Prince Edward Island, along with the PEI Department of Education, Early Learning and Culture and the PEI Department of Health and Wellness, released today the results of the 2014-15 School Health Action Planning and Evaluation System (SHAPES-PEI) Provincial Student Health Profile. SHAPES-PEI gathers information from students in grades 5 through 12 about healthy eating, physical activity, mental fitness, bullying, and tobacco/substance use, in collaboration with the Canadian Student Tobacco Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CSTADS), and the Propel Centre for Population Health Impact. This is the fourth release of data since SHAPES-PEI began in 2008.
“The findings from this fourth cycle of SHAPES-PEI tell us that researchers, schools, and communities must continue to fight for the health of our youth,” said Dr. Donna Murnaghan, co-principal investigator of SHAPES-PEI and adjunct professor of nursing at UPEI. “The flat or plateau results around physical activity levels point to no significant improvements in physical activity levels even though there have been concerted efforts to promote youth being physically active. The rising tobacco and alcohol use among PEI youth changes the conversation to we are not done yet with these risks. These are complex problems that require continued timely monitoring and surveillance to inform action for the future.”
“The information collected through SHAPES reflects students’ health and well-being not only at school, but within their homes and communities as well,” said Sterling Carruthers, School Health Specialist for the PEI Department of Education, Early Learning and Culture. “Although we are seeing some positive changes in both the mental fitness of students and a decreased consumption of ‘other foods,’ we need to continue our partnerships with student, teachers, parents, community, and government to support improved health and well-being for students in other areas identified in this report.”
Highlights from the 2014-15 SHAPES-PEI survey include:
- 71% of PEI students reported having high mental fitness, compared to 66% in 2008 (mental fitness describes a student’s sense of emotional and psychological well-being)
- 37% of PEI students (30% males, 42% females) reported being bullied in the past 30 days
- 45% of PEI students meet national physical activity guidelines (unchanged since 2010)
- 38% of PEI students reported eating fruit and vegetables more than six times the day before the survey (mostly unchanged since 2008)
- 15% of PEI students reported eating high fat/salty/sugary snacks or drinks seven or more times the day before the survey (down significantly from 2008)
- 58% of PEI students reported eating breakfast every day, while 12% of PEI students reported not eating breakfast at all in a usual school week (up from 8% from 2012)
- PEI has the second highest rate of current smokers (among 10-18 year olds) in the country at 6.6%, which is almost double the national average of 3.4%.
- In the last 12 months: 25% of PEI students reported using marijuana and—of the 43% of students who had a drink of alcohol—32% reported engaging in binge drinking, which are the highest rates in Canada.
“One of our three key education priorities is to support the social and emotional well-being of students, and this data is very useful in informing this work,” said Education, Early Learning and Culture Minister Doug Currie. “We continue to use the SHAPES data to develop priorities and policy, and to inform our collaborative work with parents and school communities on improving student well-being and achievement.”
“Instilling the values of wellness, such as healthy eating, avoiding tobacco use, regular exercise and activity at a young age is probably one of the greatest investments we could make for our young people, as they will lead to lifelong healthy choices,” said Minister of Health and Wellness Robert Henderson. “SHAPES-PEI provides valuable information which helps direct our decision making and long-term planning for health promotion in this province.”
Full copies of the 2014-15 SHAPES-PEI Provincial Student Health Profile are available by request, or by visiting:
discoveryspace.upei.ca/cshr/SHAPES
https://www.uwaterloo.ca/propel/
The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.
