Abstract

Implementation of School Health Programme in selected secondary schools in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria

Deval Ibi Eji, BSc, Antor O. Ndep, DrPH, Fidelis Takim Otu, MPH and Joy Ukeunim Chabo, RN, RM, BNSc, MPH
University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria

APHA's 2019 Annual Meeting and Expo (Nov. 2 - Nov. 6)

Background: An indispensable component of an effective educational system includes ensuring that the school environment is healthy and safe for children. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the level of implementation of the components of School Health Programme (SHP) in public secondary schools in Calabar Municipality. Methods: Using a cross-sectional descriptive study design, the researchers randomly selected eight out of 16 public secondary schools in Calabar Municipality and 413 students were surveyed using a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire. The level of implementation of SHP was assessed using an observational checklist. Results: Females, 216(54.8%), were slightly more than males 178(45.2%); more students 260(66.0%) were aged between 13-15years, and only 57(14.5%) students had heard about SHP. Majority, 250 (63.5%) were not able to give the basic definition of SHP, and (285)69% were only able to identify one out of five components of SHP as stated in the National SHP guidelines. Findings from the observational study revealed that 5(62.5%) of the schools had fairly implemented Healthful School Environment; 6(75%) of the schools were located close to busy main roads and only 3(37.5%) were properly fenced round. Just 2(25%) of the schools had good implementation of School Health Services. Seven out of the eight participating schools (87.5%) had good implementation of Skill-Based Health Education. Conclusion: Students had limited knowledge about components of SHP, therefore could not adequately appraise their schools’ level of implementation. Increasing knowledge on SHP could empower students to work towards and demand implementation of its key components.

Other professions or practice related to public health Public health or related education Public health or related public policy