School Health Services and its Practices in Public and Private Schools of Rawalpindi District

  • Sidrah Nasim Postgraduate Trainee, Department of Community Medicine, Rawalpindi Medical University
Keywords: Healthy Environment, Medical Assessment, Private Schools, Public Schools, School Health Services

Abstract

Objective: To assess the school health services in public and private schools of Rawalpindi district.
Subjects and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in 50 public and private schools of Rawalpindi district for a period of 3 months. Consecutive sampling was done with inclusion criteria of only those teachers who had minimum two years of teaching experience in that particular school were included in the study. Participants were interviewed using a structured, interviewer administered questionnaire and a checklist. Data were entered and analyzed on SPSS version 20.0.
Results: Among 50 selected schools, 10% were pre-schools, 28% primary schools and 68% were high schools. Regarding clean drinking water, 64% schools were using filtered water, 14% unfiltered, and 2% mineral water. In 60% schools, water was chlorinated. First aid provision in case of emergency was available in 96% of schools. Only in 24% of schools, sick room was available. First aid was given by teachers in most of the schools.
Conclusion: Adequate health education on different aspects including nutrition is provided by most of schools. Majority schools provide health services including provision of first aid but there is lack of placement of health professionals and periodical inspection of students. Maximum number of schools have congested classrooms, uncomfortable seating and shortage of washrooms.

Published
2018-11-18
Section
Original Articles