Availability and helpful environment of school health services in Rawalpindi and Islamabad region

Abstract

Objective: To assess the status of health services and environment in the public and private schools of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted at Islamabad Medical and Dental College, Islamabad from April to September 2017. A survey was done in the schools of Rawalpindi and Islamabad through a questionnaire, distributed to the school heads and/or administrators. The study outcome was measured in terms of status of school health services and health environment.. Out of the total list of government, private and semi government schools the number for visit and interview was selected systematically. Data was entered and analyzed by using SPSS 20 version.

Results: Overall 60.1% schools had a health team. Health teams were found in 47.6% of government, 58.3% of private and 80.0% of semi government schools. Only 42.4% had received any health-related training for students or personnel in the schools, 28.3% schools had presence of doctor while 30.9% had a nurse. Safe drinking water and adequate washroom facility was available in majority of schools along with playing area and proper lighting and ventilation condition.

Conclusion: School health services are very poor at the schools in Rawalpindi and Islamabad region. There is lack of health training for students and staff with only 42.4% getting it.