Evaluation of School Health Services in Public Primary Schools in Bonny Local Government Area, Rivers State

Abstract

Abstract Background: Effectivee school health services will not only address ill health among school children but will also reduce absenteeism and drop out rates, thereby encouraging completion of schooling,

Objective: To evaluate the school health services available in public printary schools Bonny Local Government Area Rivers State

Design: A cross sectional school-based study c arried out in March 2006.

Methods: All the public primulry schools in Bonny Local Government  Areawere insperted and assessed for the availability of the various components of school health services using an evaluation scale. Data were analzed using proportions and percentages.

Results: No school had health personnel or lose aid facilities. Nictor. 05 percent schools isolated pupils by sending them home  supported with commutable diseases. No school gave free school meals and school farms were found in only eight: (40 percent) schools. The only health appraisal carried out by all the school was routine morning inspection. The score attained by the school ranged from 6-9 points. No school attained the minimum  acceptable score of 15 points  using the evaluation scale.

Conclusion: School health services were lacking in Bonny pubin primary book. There is need for the establishment of effection school health services there.