Performance of school health programme in Nigeria: A situation analysis

Abstract

Abstract: Background: School Health Programme (SHP) if effectively implemented, will contribute to the optimal health of schoolchildren. In this survey, the extent of the implementation of SHP in Nigeria was evaluated.
Methods: The study was crosssectional nationwide, school-based survey, and schools were randomly selected. The school proprietors, school health personnel, teachers, students, and parents were interviewed using an interviewer- administered questionnaire on the key components of SHP.
Results: A total of 105 schools were surveyed. The proportion of students, teachers and parents who were aware of SHP were 26.3%, 11.1% and 9.10%, respectively. The proportion of the schools which conduct mental health, nutritional assessment and visual & hearing screening were 48.6%, 51.4%, and 57.1%, respectively. There were 18 (17.6%) schools that had trained person in charge of the health of students. Schools
that still use pit toilet and open defecation method were 22.9% and 11.3%, respectively. The proportion of school with retainership with a health facility was 37.1%.
Conclusion: The SHP awareness is poor in Nigeria, and its implementation is sub-optimal. There is need for renewed interest in SHP in Nigeria through reform and deliberate interventions especially on establishing school-based vaccination programme and referral of sick pupils to healthcare facility.