The Role of Physical Activity Programs in Combating Childhood Obesity: Insights from Physical Education Teachers at a Private School in Abu Dhabi, UAE

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors influencing the effective implementation of the physical education (PE) curriculum at a private children’s school in Abu Dhabi. The study initiative to address childhood obesity prevention in the UAE stems from a review of the national health plan for combating obesity, with a key focus on enhancing physical activity among children in schools. Several factors can affect PE curriculum implementation. These factors can vary depending on the social, economic, and cultural context. To investigate this phenomenon, the study utilizes social learning theory and the Overcoming Resistance-to-Change Model (ORC). The ORC model emphasizes change from the teacher’s perspective. This model consists of four stages to focus on. A researcher interviewed two teachers at a private school. The study’s findings indicated that there are three major factors contributing to the problems associated with the implementation of the PE curriculum. The emotional factor, the mental factor, and the physical factor. The study concluded that overlapping factors are impeding the government’s efforts to improve child health outcomes. School managers, teaching institutions, families, and teachers all support the PE curriculum’s delivery.