Health education for most Indiana students schooled at home is more likely to focus on first aid and personal hygiene than broader societal issues, says a new study from Ball State.

A study of 74 educators who instruct K-12 students at home found that 87 percent teach health education. About 88 percent felt it was "very important" to do so, said Jeff Clark, a physiology and health science professor.  

The study found first aid, physical activity and fitness, and nutrition and diet were taught more frequently than violence prevention, suicide prevention, consumer health and sexual health issues.

Topics taught by less than half the respondents include the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, immunization and vaccinations, environmental health and sexuality.

"Differences certainly exist in lifestyles of homeschool families when compared to families nationwide," Clark said. "Many parents homeschool their children for religious reasons. One of the respondents said sexuality is not needed to be formally discussed because of the family's lifestyle or beliefs."

America has an estimated school enrollment of 52.7 million with 1.2 million students being educated in their homes. Indiana has registered 18,260 families schooling their children at home.

The study, conducted by Ball State graduate student Adam Havice and Clark, examined how health education is taught among homeschools registered with the Indiana Department of Education. 

The study also found about 75 percent of homeschool educators had completed some college work. About 71 percent said they had received formal training in first aid with about half of the respondents indicating they had been educated in nutrition and diet, fitness and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

The average time a homeschool educator had been in the profession was one to three years.

Clark believes the study points out the need for public school systems to consider addressing the health education needs of all students in their local community.

"Historically, schools felt no need to market their education programs," Clark said. "However, as the number of homeschooling families continues to grow and the political support for vouchers increases, schools should consider social marketing of their health programs.

"Schools could structure their coordinated health programs to support the families and the community," he said. "Use of school health services, counseling, psychological and social services, as well as after-school programs, can provide a natural point of connection for homeschool families."