Changes in the Perception of School Climate among Brazilian High School Students Between 2001 and 2011

Background Perception school climate has been investigated for contributing to health promotion policies and education in the school environment. In low- and middle-incomes countries, tracking information with respect to these perceptions are still scarce. Objectives To analyze the changes in the perception of adolescents on the school climate during the course of a decade in the state of Santa Catarina, in southern Brazil. Methods Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 2001 (n = 5.028) and 2011 (n = 6.529) among public high school students (15 to 19 years old). Factors related to the negative perception of the school climate were evaluated using a structured questionnaire. Results After ten years, there were significant differences in the proportion of adolescents who had a negative perception of the time spent in school (from 3.1% to 16.3%), of their relationship with peers (from 3.0% to 13.5%), and their relationship with teachers and staff (from 2.9% to 7.2%). Conclusions Students reported having a worse perception of the school social environment. Interventions that encourage the adoption and maintenance of positive social relationships and healthy habits are needed in the school community.