The reality of the role of the physical education teacher in spreading health and nutritional awareness and combating obesity among secondary school students in some schools in the municipality of Surman

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the professional role of physical education (PE) teachers in promoting health literacy, sound nutritional patterns, and mitigating school obesity among second-stage basic education pupils in Surman municipality. A descriptive-analytical approach was employed, using a validated questionnaire comprising 15 items equally distributed across three main dimensions: General Health Practices, Nutritional Literacy, and Obesity Control & Preventive Physical Activity. The instrument was administered to a purposive sample of 20 PE teachers.

Statistical analyses indicated that teachers practiced their instructional and preventive roles at an overall moderate level ($M = 3.53 \pm 0.89$, relative weight 70.53%). The "General Health Awareness" dimension ranked first at a high level ($M = 4.04$, 80.80%), followed by the "Nutritional Awareness and Literacy" dimension in second place at a moderate level ($M = 3.60$, 72.00%). Conversely, the "Obesity Control and Preventive Physical Activity" dimension ranked last at a moderate-to-low level ($M = 2.94$, 58.80%), demonstrating a notable deficiency in the application of morphological measurements and Body Mass Index ($BMI$) tracking ($M = 2.00$). Furthermore, non-parametric tests revealed no statistically significant differences attributable to educational qualification or years of teaching experience. The study recommends equipping schools with morphological assessment tools, assigning health oversight of school canteens to PE teachers, and providing specialized training workshops in sports nutrition.