School Health Program Research Articles

School health programs of physical education and/or diet among pupils of primary and secondary school levels I and II linked to body mass index: A systematic review protocol within the project From Science 2 School.

The most common causes of death in Western countries today are preventable diseases mainly attributed to daily behavior. It has been well documented that genetics are influential but not the deciding factor for developing non-communicable diseases. Ideally, the public should be educated to perform methods of optimal health and wellbeing independently, meaning that individuals should be in control of their health without relying on others. As behavior is known to be consistent over time, good or poor health behavior will track from childhood into adulthood. Physical activity and diet are permanently linked to the individual's state of health, and when properly balanced, the effects on personal health summate, resulting in greater benefits from this dual-approach for public health. The objective is to highlight the different approaches (physical intervention, nutritional intervention, and dual-approach of diet and exercise) and identify effective interventions for sustainable body weight and healthy body mass index in school children. A systematic review will be conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The review will assess school-based diet and exercise interventions on children in primary and secondary school levels I and II. Overweight and obesity develop as a result of a prolonged imbalance in the energy balance model, with both physical activity and diet being influential in the fluctuation of body weight. A dual-approach including physical activity and diet could therefore be a very promising method to promote sustainable healthy body weight in school children.

Associations of a Multilevel School Health Program and Health Outcomes Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youth.

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adolescents are often at higher risk than their heterosexual peers for adverse sexual health, violence, mental health, and substance use outcomes. Schools are a vital resource for enhancing protective behaviors and reducing risk behaviors. Sixteen school districts selected schools to implement a sexual health program (exposed) or usual programming (unexposed). We analyzed LGB student health outcomes using 2015 and 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Surveys. Analyses compared LGB student health outcomes by exposure status across time points using a multilevel approach. Program exposure was associated with decreased odds of ever having sex, ever testing for HIV, and using effective hormonal birth control, and an increased odds of condom use. There were no significant findings among secondary violence, mental health, and substance use outcomes. This evaluation highlights the potential for schools to reduce sexual risk behaviors among LGB youth, and opportunities to improve access to health services.

ULTURAL AWARENESS AND XENOPHOBIA LEVELS OF HEALTH TECHNICIAN CANDIDATES: EXAMPLE OF VOCATIONAL SCHOOL

The aim of the study was to examine the cultural awareness and xenophobia levels of health technician candidates studying in the health programs of a vocational school. The universe of the descriptive study consisted of all students enrolled in health programs in vocational schools (n=180). The research was completed with students (n=155) who were actively studying in the programs without making a sample selection. "Health Technician Candidate Information Form", "Intercultural Awareness Scale" and "Xenophobia Scale" were used as data collection tools. The analysis of the data was evaluated in a statistical program, and descriptive statistics, Independent-t Test and One Way ANOVA test were used. The students' cultural awareness levels were found to be 20.64±6.55 moderate levels, and their xenophobia levels were 51.86±12.73/high. In the study, it was determined that there was a significant relationship between the students who like to be together with people from different cultures and the cultural awareness scale (p<0.05). In the city where he studied; A significant correlation was found between the students who are not disturbed by the presence of immigrants/refugees and providing health care/service to them and the xenophobia scale mean score (p<0.05). In the study in which the relationship between students' cultural awareness levels and xenophobia was evaluated by correlation analysis, a negative and significant relationship was found (r=-0.025; p=0.002). As a result; It was determined that the cultural awareness of the health technician candidates was at a medium level and their xenophobia perception was at a high level.

Exploration of Factors Associated with Reported Medication Administration Errors in North Carolina Public School Districts.

School nurses are pivotal to the safety of school-aged children, particularly those who receive medications in the school setting. The purpose of this study was to explore factors associated with medication administration errors in North Carolina school districts between 2012/2013 and 2017/2018. A longitudinal study using repeated measures analysis of school health services data collected in the North Carolina Annual School Health Services and Programs Survey was conducted. Over time, the number of medication errors (p = .001) and number of medication corrective action plans (p < .0001) trended upwards. There was also an increase in medication errors when the number of schools in a district was higher (p < .0001). Conversely, there was a decrease in corrective action plans when school nurses were directly employed by the school district (p = .0471). We implore school disticts to consider the important role of school nurses to keep kids safe, healthy, and ready to learn.

Study on Implementation of School Health Program (UKS)

School Health Efforts are an important prospect in efforts to prevent disease and improve children's health. This study aims to describe the implementation of UKS, namely the implementation of the three main UKS programs, the role of teachers, and infrastructure. This research is qualitative research with a phenomenological approach. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and documentation with 10 informants. The results showed that the types of UKS activities included health education, health services, and fostering a healthy school environment. UKS activities are not routinely carried out and experience problems in their implementation. The teacher's role in UKS activities includes providing information, assessing, examining, and guiding students to clean independently. Regarding the currently available infrastructure, it is still limited and does not meet the minimum level of UKS services improvement of UKS infrastructure facilities, improvement of teacher knowledge, and skills in UKS management is very much needed.

From best practice to next practice: implementing Comprehensive School Health in rural and remote northern communities.

Northern communities in Canada experience a disproportionate burden of chronic diseases including mental illness. To mitigate the growing health inequalities, an ongoing Comprehensive School Health program promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours and mental health and well-being was expanded to rural and remote northern communities. We report on the program's impact on knowledge, attitudes, lifestyle behaviours (healthy eating, physical activity, screen time), weight status and the mental health and well-being of elementary school students during the first four years of implementation. Following a repeated cross-sectional design, we surveyed 440, 352 and 384 Grade 4 to 6 students (9-12 years old) from eight schools in 2016, 2018 and 2020/21, respectively. Students were approximately equally represented by girls and boys. Between 2016 and 2018, students reported modest increases in vegetable and fruit consumption and dietary variety; declines in screen time; no changes in physical activity; and declines in attitudes toward healthy lifestyle and in mental health and well-being. Between 2018 and 2020/21, lifestyle behaviours deteriorated substantially, while attitudes and mental health and well-being continued to decline. A program that was successful in socioeconomically disadvantaged urban neighbourhoods had a favourable, though modest, impact on selected lifestyle behaviours, but not on attitudes and mental health and well-being, in rural and remote northern communities. In light of cultural differences and logistical challenges in Canada's North, systematic and proactive adaptations to local contexts, increased intensity, and longer program delivery are essential to facilitate sustainable improvements in lifestyle behaviours and mental health and well-being.

Prevalence and determinants of underweight, overweight, and obesity among adolescent secondary school students in Dongola City, Northern Sudan in 2019

Background: Adolescents comprise 1.2 billion of the world population. There is a worldwide increase in the prevalence of obesity and overweight among adolescents. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity among secondary school adolescents in Dongola city, North Sudan.Methods: A cross-sectional, school-based study was conducted among adolescents from 7 out of 11 schools in Dongola city in November 2019. Multistage sampling method was used besides ethical approval and informed consent were taken. Data was collected through questionnaire, weight and height of each participant were measured, body mass index was calculated and the World Health Organization (WHO) (5-19 years) reference chart was used to determine underweight, overweight, and obesity. Chi-square test and multinomial logistic regression were performed to determine factors associated with underweight, overweight, and obesity.Results: The study included 695 students with 397 (57.1%) males. The prevalence rates of underweight, overweight, and obesity were 12.2%, 15.7% and 5.2% respectively. Male students had more than twice times (OR=2.37; 95%CI=1.29-4.37) likely to be underweight. Students with family history of obesity had almost twice and two and half times (OR=1.78; 95% CI: 1.15-2.76) and (OR=2.46; 95% CI: 1.21-4.98) more likely to have overweight and obesity respectively. Students living in urban areas had thirteen times (OR=13.0; 95% CI: 1.76-0.96.7) more likely to be obese.Conclusions: The prevalence rates of underweight, overweight, and obesity are high compared to primary school children in Northern State. There is a need to strengthen the school health program and further studies involving rural and urban schools are recommended.

Can we scale up a comprehensive school-based eye health programme in Zambia?

BackgroundGlobally, 19 million children have preventable vision impairment simply because refractive and eye health services are inaccessible to most of them. In Zambia, approximately 50,000 school children need spectacle provision. The School-based Eye Health Programme (SEHP) has been identified worldwide as a proven strategy to address childhood blindness. Given its great benefits, the Zambian government intends to scale up the programme. This scalability assessment aims to identify and evaluate the essential components of an effective SEHP, determine roles, assess existing capacities within user organisations, identify environmental facilitating and inhibiting factors, and estimate the minimum resources necessary for the scaling up and their proposed scale-up strategies.MethodsFive elements (innovation, user organisation, resource team, environment, and strategies for horizontal and vertical scaling-up) were assessed guided by the ExpandNet-WHO Nine Steps for Developing a Scaling-Up Strategy. Literature review on proven strategies to reduce childhood blindness and the credibility of SEHP implemented in resource-limited settings, document review on the pilot project, questionnaires, and stakeholders’ interviews were conducted to collect data for this assessment. Subsequently, twenty questions in the Worksheets for Developing a Scaling-up Strategy were used to report the assessment outcome systematically.ResultsAdditional components of SEHP incorporated in Zambia’s model enhanced the innovation’s credibility and relevance. The resource team was relatively competent in the pilot project, and the same team will be employed during the scaling-up. Potential change in political parties, the lack of supply chain, and unstable financial support were identified as inhibiting factors. The objectives of SEHP were aligned with the National Eye Health Strategic Plan 2017–2021, which supports the institutionalisation of the SEHP into the existing School Health and Nutrition Programme. For the pace of expansion, replicating SEHP to another district rather than a province will be more realistic.ConclusionScaling up a comprehensive SEHP in Zambia is feasible if sufficient funding is available. Additionally, the pace must be adapted to the local context to ensure that every component within the SEHP is intact.

Contraception knowledge and uptake among in-school adolescents in three South African townships: Baseline findings from the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) Trial.

Background: South African adolescents experience barriers to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge and uptake. This study provides insight into contraceptive and other SRH service knowledge, perceptions, and uptake among adolescents in high HIV prevalence settings. Methods: A baseline cross sectional survey was conducted among 3432 grade 8s enrolled into the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) trial from 26 public high schools across three South African townships (Soweto, Thembisa and Khayelitsha) (2017 - 2018). An interviewer-led survey collected information on SRH knowledge and perceptions; an audio computer-assisted self-interviewing technique gathered SRH service uptake. Descriptive analysis indicates frequency distribution of socio-demographics and knowledge, uptake and perceptions of SRH services. Chi-square test tested for associations between age and sex and selected variables that measure SRH knowledge and uptake. Results: In total, 2383 learners, completed both survey components. Of these, 63.1% (n=1504) were female and 81.4% (n=1938) aged 12-14. Almost a fifth (18.3%, n=436) had ever had sex and less than 1% had accessed SRH services in the last year. Of the 157 females who had ever had sex, 50.9% had ever used contraception. Of those who had sex in the last three months, 59.0% reported using a contraceptive method. Condom use was inconsistent: almost all females said they had not used or could not remember if a condom was used at last sex. Conclusion: This paper contributes to the evidence strengthening learner SRH education, including the national Integrated School Health Programme. Key themes include the need for age-appropriate, differentiated comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) for the range of ages found in the same grade in South African schools. Education on different contraceptive methods, informed decision-making, and emergency contraception is key. School-based interventions should embrace integrated HIV, STI, and pregnancy prevention messages. Closer links with health services need to be constantly fostered and reinforced.

An observational study of compliance with tobacco-free school guidelines in Udupi district, Karnataka (India)

Background: National tobacco-free school guidelines were introduced in India in 2009. We assessed compliance with these guidelines across both government, government-aided, and private schools in Udupi district of Karnataka state in India. Methods: We visited 915 upper primary and high schools across Udupi district and used a standardized checklist for visual inspection of the school environment and interviews with a school representative to ascertain compliance with guidelines (display of a tobacco-free school/institution board, presence of no smoking signage, no tobacco sale within 100 yards, presence of a Tobacco Control Committee, integration of tobacco control activities into the school health program, and availability of a copy of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act). Results: A tobacco-free school board was displayed at the main entrance of 73% of schools, and there was no evidence of tobacco products on sale within 100 yards of 96% of schools. However, only 5% of the schools reported having the Committee; 4% reported having a copy of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 with the school, and no smoking signage was observed in &lt; 1%. Integration of tobacco control activities into the school health program was reported in 91% of schools. Conclusions: Compliance with tobacco-free school guidelines in Udupi was far from complete, indicating the need for enhanced implementation and monitoring.

A study to assess the effectiveness of planned teaching programme on knowledge regarding health appraisal activities among primary school teachers in selected primary schools of Kolar taluk

Background: In 1960, the government of India constituted a school health committee to assess the standards of health and nutrition of school children and suggest ways to improve them. In spite of these efforts to improve school health, the health services provided at school are hardly more than a token service because of shortage of resources and insufficient facilities. Health appraisal is a major component of school health program. The role of the school teacher is very important and fundamental in school health services, participation of the teacher in child care is of great value and there is no substitute for this. Thus, the researcher felt that need to conduct the study and evaluate the effectiveness of structured teaching program for school teachers on health appraisal of school children. Objective of the study: Assess the knowledge on health appraisal activities and to effectiveness of planned teaching programme on knowledge regarding health appraisal activities. An evaluate approach with one group pre-test post-test design was adopted for this study. The study was conducted at selected primary schools kolar taluk. By convenient sampling technique 60 primary school teachers who are working at government schools were selected. An evaluate approach with one group pre-test post-test design was adopted for this study. The study was conducted at selected primary schools kolar taluk. By convenient sampling technique 60 primary school teachers who are working at government schools were selected. Results revealed that the mean post test score of the subjects which was 3.95 % was higher than the mean pre-test score 2.82%. At a level of significance of

Interprofessional education can improve learning outcomes on school health among nursing students in Thailand

Background and objective: Interprofessional education (IPE) is an important step in advancing the education of health professionals. This study aimed to evaluate IPE learning outcomes and satisfaction of students that participated in a school-health program. The program was delivered as a joint collaborative topic among nursing, dental public health, and public health students. We also sought to examine students’ understanding of roles and teamwork, as well as their satisfaction with IPE.Methods: This study had a quasi-experimental design. Third-year nursing students were randomly divided into 2 groups, the IPE and non-IPE groups. All third-year dental public health students and public health students were enrolled in the IPE group. All IPE students were stratified and randomized into interprofessional teams of ten or eleven students. The program included 3 modules: 1) foundational workshops for IPE role clarification in the school-health program and situation analysis of school-health problems, 2) project planning and implementation, and 3) evaluation and sharing. Non-IPE nursing students also received the same 3 modules of the school-health learning program without working in the interprofessional team. A pretest and posttest on school-health theoretical content were completed by both groups of nursing students. In the IPE group, we collected data regarding the understanding of students’ roles within their teams before and after the course. Satisfaction with IPE learning was only asked after the course. Results: The IPE group (n = 164) consisted of 60 nursing, 59 dental public health, and 45 public health students. There were 63 nursing students in the non-IPE group. For knowledge on school health, the nursing students in the non-IPE group had a significantly higher pretest score compared to the IPE group; while there was no significant difference in post-test scores between both groups. All aspects of the interprofessional collaboration among the three health professional student groups in the IPE group increased, with a significant difference for 4 out of 6 aspects. Students were satisfied with the IPE program and wished to extend their time spent in the program.Conclusions: IPE learning provides a better understanding of different healthcare roles and enhanced teamwork between multidisciplinary teams. Incorporating IPE as a learning strategy is recommended for health professional students.

Enhancing the knowledge of parents on child health using eLearning in a government school in the semi-rural community of Karachi, Pakistan.

Education is one of the vital social determinants of health. Health and education share a symbiotic relationship for all cadre including children and adolescents to ensure that they are well equipped to combat the health risk in the environment. The current literature globally found some initiatives to create health awareness among school children. However, there is a dearth of studies available addressing parental health awareness through school platforms. Therefore, the current study aims to fill this gap, and the Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery initiated the School Health Program (SHP) in one of the remote communities in Sindh, Pakistan. The overall goal of the study was to improve children's health by enhancing the health awareness of the parents through school platforms utilizing online modalities. Another objective of this study was to identify the effect of using eLearning on parental knowledge and perceptions. The study utilized a sequential explanatory mixed-method design. Twelve health awareness sessions relevant to children's health using eLearning were conducted over one year. Parents' knowledge was assessed through a pre-posttest, which was administered after each teaching session. Subsequently, focused group discussions were carried out with parents, community leaders, and schoolteachers to gain insights regarding the effectiveness of the health education program. The pre-and post-test results showed again in knowledge in nine out of twelve sessions. The findings from qualitative content analysis yielded three key themes: Perceived usefulness of eLearning, Barriers affecting usability, and Way forward for eLearning through school platforms. The study showed parental satisfaction with the online health education awareness program. They exhibited enthusiasm and desire for further similar sessions in the future. The results demonstrated an enhancement in parental awareness about common health conditions among school children. This study may be replicated on a larger scale in the schools of Pakistan.

150-LB: Diabetes and School Health (DASH) Program—An Innovative School-Based Health Model to Optimize Care for Youth with Type 1 Diabetes

Objectives: Pediatric type 1 diabetes (T1D) care requires collaboration of families, diabetes team and caregivers. Youth spend most of the time in school so care optimization in school is crucial. There are no evidence-based guidelines for school-based care, and management varies based on local legislation, school district, and staffing. An innovative school-based program provides an opportunity to standardize care, improve outcomes, reduce inequities, and inform guidelines for school T1D care. Methods: The Nationwide Children's Hospital (NCH) Diabetes and School Health (DASH) program is a novel school-based intervention. The intradisciplinary DASH team provides on-site education to students/staff, addresses medical/psychosocial concerns, coordinates delivery of medications/supplies, and facilitates communication. The pilot aimed to enroll 50 students identified as high risk based on their Diabetes Composite Score, a risk assessment tool developed by NCH. Qualitative and quantitative data was obtained for students, caregivers, and staff, including A1C, acute care utilization, educational mastery, quality of life, psychosocial, and health equity measures. Results: 50 students over 35 schools enrolled in the pilot. The majority used injections, 50% never used a continuous glucose monitor, and the average baseline A1C was 12%. More than 60% identified as an ethnic minority. Survey data showed over 50% of students felt others did not appreciate the burden of T1D care and endorsed T1D "burn out." Over 50% of caregivers endorsed feeling defeated/discouraged by T1D care, and worry about T1D related complications. Conclusions: DASH is a novel school-based program that provides support, education, and oversight to students at high risk of T1D complications. The program aims to standardize school-based care, empower school staff, improve self-efficacy, address inequities, decrease T1D complications and provide a framework for school based care. Disclosure A. C. H. Wood: None. A. M. Moffett: None. K. Simms: None. M. Moore: None. E. Suli: None. M. K. Irwin: None. E. Edwards: None. K. Gandhi: None.

Improvement of Students and Snack Vendors Behavior After Received Health Promotion Program from UKS’s Cadres

Background: School Health Program or UKS aims to improve students learning achievement by improving their health status including the fulfillment of nutrition so that they can grow and develop optimally. The nutritional problems of school-age children in Indonesia, according to Riskesdas 2018 data, are children with the short/stunting category reaching 30.7%, while those who are obese are 8% and anemic 26%. Nutritional problems in school children will affect the quality of human resources in the future. Objectives: This study examined the effect of promoting healthy and safe snacks by UKS’s cadres on increasing knowledge, attitudes, behavior of students and snack sellers.Materials and Methods: The first stage of research was training elementary school students UKS’s cadres who will become educators on promoting healthy and safe food consumption behavior. The second stage was assessed to 360 randomly selected students and 94 school vendors in 12 different schools. The intervention schools received a package of promotions delivered by UKS’s cadres while the comparison group received the poster. Data on knowledge, attitudes, behavior of students and food sellers were collected using a questionnaire instrument. The data were collected by the researchers assisted by 12 enumerators, 6 research field assistants and 12 teachers in charge of the research field. Bivariate analysis using t-test, Wilcoxon test, and Mann Whitney test were used to assess the differences between the groups. Results: After intervention by UKS.s cadres, there was a change in students' knowledge of 51.1% for knowledge of healthy snacks, 52.8% about safe snacks, 82.8% about formalin, 62.8% about borax, and 75.6% about Rhodamine B. Changes in the behavior of snack sellers, the highest percentage of changes in holding food with tools is 62.5% and not holding food after holding money is 54.2%. Increased change were significantly higher in the intervention groups than the comparison group (p &lt;0.05).Conclusion: The UKS’s cadres as trained peer-educators could significantly improve safe and healthy food behavior of students as well as knowledge of snack school vendors. UKS’s cadres as promoters of healthy and safe snacks can be used as a mandatory UKS program in school to achieve food safety for school children

Implementation of a Coordinated Approach to Child Health Program at a Rural Elementary School During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ObjectivesA Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) is an evidence-based school health program focusing on increasing healthy eating and physical activity and reducing screen time. This project aimed to determine if CATCH program will have significant effects on self-rated knowledge, habits of physical activity, healthy eating (fruit and vegetable consumption), and screen time among 3rd and 5th-grade students at a rural elementary school during the 2020–2021 school year. MethodsTo evaluate this 4-month project, a pre- and post-intervention School Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) survey was distributed to 51 3rd and 5th-grade students. The program included six 30-minute education sessions specific to grade level and healthy snacks including fruits and vegetables. A family fun event (virtual 2K walk/run due to COVID-19) was organized. Prizes (i.e., water bottles, jump ropes) were given to students for participating in the family fun event and at Track and Field day to encourage healthy behavior. ResultsA dependent paired samples t-tests and an exact McNemar test determined participants who completed both the pre and post intervention survey (n = 15) did not experience a significant change in healthier food choices, fruit consumption, vegetable consumption, screen time, and physical activity. Mean responses of students who completed the pre survey (n = 27) and post survey (n = 22) found a 28% increase in exercising for at least 30 minutes the day prior, a 22% increase in 2 hours or less of screen time the day prior, a 12% increase in eating vegetables 3 or more times the day prior, and a 6% increase in eating fruit 2 or more times the day prior. A Qualtrics survey found that 100% of teachers who completed the survey (n = 7) were satisfied with the program and 5 out of 7 teachers were interested in participating in the program the following school year, with one maybe and one not applicable (i.e., leaving district) response. ConclusionsAlthough the results of this project were not statistically significant, there were beneficial findings and lessons learned. Students reported an increase in favorable responses to recommended habits of physical activity, diet, and screen time following implementation of the CATCH program. Funding SourcesDeKalb County Community Foundation Community Needs Grant.

Post-treatment evaluation of urogenital schistosomiasis among elementary school children in Erin Osun, a peri-urban community in Irepodun Local Government Area, Osun State.

This study assessed the post-treatment status of urogenital schistosomiasis among school-aged children in Erin Osun in Osun State, Nigeria. A total of 357 children from five elementary schools that had participated in the Osun State Elementary School Feeding and Health Programme (O-MEALS Programme) and received praziquantel as part of the deworming programme were examined for the study. Urine samples were collected and tested for microhaematuria and proteinuria using urinalysis reagent strips. The urine samples were further examined for Schistosoma haematobium ova. A snail survey was conducted in the River Awesin at the water contact points in the community. Out of the 357 participants examined, (4.2%) had S. haematobium infection; males had a higher prevalence (5.5%) than females (2.9%). Christ Apostolic Church Elementary School had the highest (7.2%) prevalence of infection while Ansar-Ud-Deen ‘A’ Elementary School had the least prevalence (1.5%). There was no significant difference (p &gt; 0.05) in the prevalence between gender and between schools. The highest prevalence was recorded among children of age group 13-15years (20.0%) while the least was among the age group 5-8years, and there was a significant difference in the prevalence of infection between age groups (p &lt; 0.05). The overall geometric mean intensity of infection was 1.14 eggs/10mls of urine. There was a high (52.9%) prevalence of proteinuria. However, 47.1% of the participants had no proteinuria, 43.7% had 1+ amount (0.3 g/L) and 1.9% had 3+ amount (5.0 g/L). The low prevalence (4.2%) and intensity (1.14 eggs/10ml) of S. haematobium infection, in this study, suggest a positive impact of the O-Meals programme, which used Praziquantel twice a year to treat the pupils. No snail intermediate host of S. haematobium was encountered during the survey. Continuous drug administration with the feeding initiative and provision of safe drinking water in the community will help sustain the current level of control.

Knowledge, uptake and patterns of contraception use among in-school adolescents in three South African townships: Baseline findings from the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) Trial

Background: South African adolescents experience barriers to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge and uptake. This study provides insight into contraceptive and other SRH service knowledge, perceptions, and uptake among adolescents in high HIV prevalence settings. Methods: A baseline cross sectional survey was conducted among 3432 grade 8’s enrolled into the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) trial from 26 public high schools across three South African townships (Soweto, Thembisa and Khayelitsha) (2017 - 2018). An interviewer-led survey collected information on SRH knowledge and perceptions; an audio computer-assisted self-interviewing technique gathered SRH service uptake. Descriptive analysis indicates frequency distribution of socio-demographics and knowledge, uptake and perceptions of SRH services. Chi-square test tested for associations between age and sex and selected variables that measure SRH knowledge and uptake. Results: In total, 2383 learners, completed both survey components. Of these, 63.1% (n=1504) were female and 81.4% (n=1938) aged 12-14. Almost a fifth (18.3%, n=436) had ever had sex and less than 1% had accessed SRH services in the last year. Of the 157 females who had ever had sex, 50.9% had ever used contraception. Of those who had sex in the last three months, 59.0% reported using a contraceptive method. Condom use was inconsistent: almost all females said they had not used or could not remember if a condom was used at last sex. Conclusion: This paper contributes to the evidence strengthening learner SRH education, including the national Integrated School Health Programme. Key themes include the need for age-appropriate, differentiated comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) for the range of ages found in the same grade in South African schools. Education on different contraceptive methods, informed decision-making, and emergency contraception is key. School-based interventions should embrace integrated HIV, STI, and pregnancy prevention messages. Closer links with health services need to be constantly fostered and reinforced.

National School Health Policy in Nigeria; Survey of teachers’ perception and implementation in public schools in Ebonyi State

Background: The National School Health Policy (NSHP) was enacted and adopted in Nigeria in 2006 as a guide to the implementation of the School Health Programme (SHP) for the maintenance and improvement of the health of children in school.Objectives: We decided to undertake a survey of the implementation of this policy in public schools in Ebonyi state, southeast Nigeria by assessing the Head teachers' perceptions, attitude, and practice and to determine possible challenges, if any, in the policy implementation.Method: A descriptive crosssectional study was carried out on 788 public primary and secondary schools in Ebonyi state using pretested structured questionnaires administered to their head teachers. Information on school demographics, school health services; school environment, skill-based health instructions in schools and, perceived enablers or barriers toschool health implementation were retrieved.Results: About 65% of participants were unaware of the existence of the NSHP document. None of the schools reported pre-entry medical examination of students, 49.6% had no latrines, 42.1% had no source of water at school, and 45.1% had no teacher trained in Health education. Some of their perceived challenges were low awareness and commitment of school managers, the absence of health workers in school, and lack of teachers training on School Health Programme.Conclusion: Poor knowledge and understanding of the NSHP amongst the teachers, lack of basic human and material resources for health-promotion in schools may have contributed to the seemingly low attitude and practice of the NSHP in public schools of Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

Progress and challenges in implementing adolescent and school health programmes in India: a rapid review

ObjectivesTo review the overall planning, implementation and monitoring of adolescent and school health programmes currently implemented in India and determine if they are in alignment with the indicators for achieving...