EDUCATION IN PERSPECTIVE: TEMPORAL COMPARISON OF SCHOOL AND HEALTH INDICATORS BETWEEN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE NETWORKS IN FORTALEZA (2009–2019)

Abstract

This study analyzed the temporal evolution of indicators of violent behavior, exposure to violence, mental health, and school environment among 9th grade students in Fortaleza, comparing public and private schools between 2009 and 2019, based on the National School Health Survey (PeNSE). The data reveal a reduction in early sexual initiation (public schools: 34.0% to 28.2%; private schools: 20.6% drop) and in condom use (public: -10%; private: -7.6%). Involvement in physical fights fell more in private schools (-20.8%) than in public schools (-13.8%). Sexual violence increased in both schools, with the greatest increase in public schools (+15%). Mental health problems increased 36.1% in public schools and 24.7% in private schools. Access to health services increased in both. Guidance on STDs fell between 2009 and 2012, but recovered by 2019 (public: 87.5% to 85.2%). The promotion of healthy eating has advanced significantly in the public network (51.7% to 73.0%). It is concluded that, despite the advances, the public network remains more vulnerable, requiring reinforcement of public school policies. Programs such as the PSE must be strengthened to ensure equity in access to health, information and protection. The structural differences between the networks reflect social inequalities and demand coordinated intersectoral responses.