The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe parents' perceptions of children's health needs, how these needs can be resolved, and school-based health services. Nine focus groups were conducted in five rural counties of a southern state with a sample of 59 parents of middle school-age children. This qualitative approach included purposive sampling, audio-taping of focus group interviews, and content analysis of data using Non-Numerical Unstructured Data Indexing Searching and Theorizing (NUD*IST). Health issues identified by parents were organized under headings of (a) physical health issues, (b) psychosocial health issues, and (c) environmental health issues. The problems identified by parents were compared to those identified in Healthy People 2000 (1992) and/or the literature. Parents indicated that resolution of these health issues was dependent on parental, school, and community involvement. The school health services recommended by study participants included nurses, counselors, better nutrition, better hygiene facilities, and sex education. All groups identified school nurses as an important component of school health services. However, the participant's perception of the school nurse's role was limited to administering medication, performing immunizations, and providing acute care. They did not conceive of school nurses as program planners, health educators, or health promoters. The success of school-based health services is dependent on community and parental support. Therefore, information from parents related to children's health needs and school health services has relevance for health policy. The results of this research support the need for school health services to increase children's access to health care.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. List children's health needs identified by parents living in a rural area. 2. Differentiate between health issues related to the home, school, and/or community environment. 3. Identify types of School-Based Health Services desired by parents 4. Discuss barriers to school-based health services. 5. Discuss process of gainng access to a community as a researcher conducting focus groups
Keywords: Children's Health, School-Based Health Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.