ASSESSMENT OF PRACTICE, SCOPE AND DETERMINANTS OF SCHOOL E- HEALTH SERVICES IN KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper presents the assessment of practice, scope and determinant of school health services in Kogi
State. A healthful school environment is that which embraces the health and safety of learners and other
members of the school community. Undergoing Pre-School Medical Education (PSME) is not only
necessary to screen for previously undiagnosed health conditions and subsequent recognition of those
with special care but it is also imperative to have base-line health information about the pupils. This study
seeks to elucidate the practices and determinants of school health services (SHS) in Kogi State. In the
cross-sectional descriptive study, a total of 229 heads of schools (102 primary and 127 secondary) in Kogi
State were interviewed using a self-administered Questionnaire. Data were analyzed with SPSS Version
16. Level of significance was set at 0.05. The results: All the respondents aware of SHS with 114(50.7%)
having good knowledge. Although, up to 209 (91.3%) having good knowledge and 188(83.6) agreed that
it was necessary, only 46 (20.1%) have their pupils undergo PSME. Most schools (76.8%) provide toilet
facilities mainly of the pit type. Overall knowledge of SHS was good in 114 (50.7%) of the respondents.
Services are provided through the first aid box. 221 (96.5%) and school clinic 43 (19.5%) most (92.7%)
of which are free. The overall practice of SHS was good in 42 (18.7%) of the respondents. Respondents
from secondary and private schools had better knowledge and practice of SHS. It is recommended that
there is need to improve knowledge of Heads of schools concerning SHS through massive enlighten
programme.