Background/Purpose: Physical inactivity, the media, and poor nutrition, are contributory factors to public health issues such as obesity. The purpose of this research project was to evaluate the feasibility and affects of video public service announcements (PSAs) containing healthy messages in a school setting to promote healthy behaviors.
Method: Two phases were employed: (a) development of PSAs in health and film classes and (b) implementation during physical education. Twenty-four high school students (50% male) created PSAs and participated in semi-structured focus group interviews. In the second phase, an additional 35 students completed focus group interviews and a valid physical activity intentions survey.
Analysis/Results: All interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded for patterns. Repeated debriefing and data audits were conducted to confirm trustworthiness. Three themes emerged: (a) peer to peer messages are appreciated, (b) relevance carries weight, and (c) PSAs are reinforcers of health behaviors. John stated, “They [the PSAs] may not be professional but they may be as effective because they are coming from students...and we can connect.” Developers of PSAs selected issues of self-importance that had potential impact on their peers. After watching the PSAs, students reported that they were more likely to make healthy food choices and be physically active for 60 minutes each day of the following week.
Conclusions: Implementing PSAs into physical education instruction is feasible and provides a meaningful experience for both the developers and observers when the topic is relevant. Playing PSAs at the end of the school day is recommended.
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