International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume VI, Issue VII, July 2022 | ISSN 2454–6186

Assessment of the Practice of School Health Services among Primary Schools in Ilorin Metropolis Kwara State Nigeria

Olabimpe Kofoworade¹, Olanike Oladibu²*, Samson Ojedokun³, Adedayo Kofoworade⁴, Mohammed Abdulkadir⁵,
Omotayo Adesiyun⁶, Ayodele Ojuawo^7
1Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo state Nigeria.
², ³LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo state Nigeria.
⁴, ⁵, ⁶, ⁷University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara state Nigeria.
*Corresponding Author

Abstract: Background: School Health Services (SHS), is an essential component of the school health programme. It ensures the achievement of Education for All (EFA); inclusive of children with special needs.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the current practice of SHS among primary schools in north-central Nigeria
Method: The study adopted a cross-sectional design. It was carried out in 128 primary schools comprising 64 private and 64 public schools in Ilorin, Nigeria. The School Health Programme Evaluation Scale (SHPES), self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data. The data collected on the questionnaire was appropriately verified and computed for analysis.
Result: One hundred and seven schools met the minimum acceptable score of 19 in SHS
Conclusion: From our assessment, the majority of those who met the minimum score were private schools. Hence, private schools performed better than public schools in practicing school health services.

Keywords: school health program, school health services, primary school health services, health education, private schools, public schools, Ilorin Nigeria

I.INTRODUCTION

Anational study of the school health system conducted by the World Health Organization WHO, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Federal Ministry of Education, revealed that health care services in schools were sub-optimal. [1], [2]
School Health Services (SHS) – an important component of the school health program (SHP) – is directed at the well-being and health of the school community. [3] They are preventive and curative services provided for the promotion of the health status of learners and staff. The purpose of the SHS is to help children at school to achieve the maximum health possible, for them to obtain full benefit from their education. The specific services include school medical examination, health clinics, school meals, food hygiene, control of communicable diseases, and play activities.[2] – [4]

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