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Health Education in Early Childhood Education: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Author

Listed:
  • Anabel Ramos-Pla

    (Education Sciences Department, University of Lleida, 25001 Lleida, Spain)

  • Laura Fornons Casol

    (Department of Psychology, Sociology and Social Work, University of Lleida, 25001 Lleida, Spain)

Abstract

Addressing Health Education (HE) in Early Childhood Education is essential for shaping future responsible citizens who are aware about the importance of caring for their health. The aim of the present article was to conduct a systematic review of the scientific literature on Health Education in the Early Childhood Education stage. Through an exhaustive analysis of 21 articles published in the internationally-renowned database Web of Science in a period of 10 years (2014–2024), the text is structured around three dimensions: article data and main areas and topics covered, pertinence and relevance of Health Education in Early Childhood Education, and lastly, the impact of Health Education in child development. The results show an increase in scientific production, although limitations persist, such as the predominance of quantitative approaches, gaps in mixed designs, a fragmented focus on educational actors, and the lack of interdisciplinary integration. It is concluded that HE in Early Childhood Education is fundamental for promoting healthy habits, for the comprehensive development of students, and community well-being, underlining the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, teachers’ training, and health literacy to guarantee its efficacy and sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Anabel Ramos-Pla & Laura Fornons Casol, 2025. "Health Education in Early Childhood Education: A Systematic Review of the Literature," Societies, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-17, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:15:y:2025:i:4:p:106-:d:1637514
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Laia Selva-Pareja & Anabel Ramos-Pla & Pere Mercadé-Melé & Anna Espart, 2022. "Evolution of Scientific Production on Health Literacy and Health Education—A Bibliometric Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-20, April.
    2. Michael Stellefson & Samantha R. Paige & Beth H. Chaney & J. Don Chaney, 2020. "Evolving Role of Social Media in Health Promotion: Updated Responsibilities for Health Education Specialists," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-7, February.
    3. Gidyenne Christine Bandeira Silva de Medeiros & Kesley Pablo Morais de Azevedo & Daniel Garcia & Victor Hugo Oliveira Segundo & Ádala Nayana de Sousa Mata & Anny Karoliny Pinheiro Fernandes & Raquel P, 2022. "Effect of School-Based Food and Nutrition Education Interventions on the Food Consumption of Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-19, August.
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