EFFECTIVENESS OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAM: PRECEPTION OFSCHOOLHEADS AND TEACHERS

Abstract

This study was basically about effectiveness of elementary school health program: Perception of school heads and teachers. This research was basically quantitative descriptive in nature. It was conducted in Sargodha, Chakwal, and Rawalpindi districts of Punjab Province in Pakistan. The target respondents were Teachers, Head Teachers and School Health&Nutritional Supervisor. For data collection three questionnaires were developed by researcher herself. The questionnaires were divided among sample of 89 head teachers 89 trained teacher and 15 Health and Nutrition Supervisors. Data was collected by researcher and analyzed with the help of SPSS.Mean score, standard deviation, Independent Sample t-test and ANOVAwere calculated to interpret results from data. With respect to first objective of the study which was to explore the health services and screening provided at elementary school level. It is concluded that there are many services provided by healthprogram like there is Continuous training is provided, manual is provided, health assessment is provided. Second objective was to evaluate the competence and health/hygiene concepts of SH&NS to provide health services as per plan. It is concluded that according to heads, and teachers of schools; the supervisors are competent in vast areas like they are aware to deal emergency, they developed different health care plans, and they explained clearly all aspects of manual. Third objective was to assess the improvements brought about in quality of lives of elementary school students under School Health Program. It is concluded that a lot of visible improvements brought by this program in quality of lives of students like; awareness in students is developed, it ensure polio free society, it improves school environment. Fourth objective was to make comparison between the performance of male and female teachers in preaching life skill based hygiene education. No significant difference was found in term of gender in performance of teachers in preaching life skill based hygiene education. Fifth objective was to highlight the weaknesses and strengths of the health services program through teachers and head teachers’ perception and to mark gaps between program objectives and outcomes. It is concluded that strengths of the program are it provides information about cleanliness. While on the other hand weaknesses are there is insufficient visits of SH&NS, insufficient materials in manual, screening services are not enough. Keeping in view the findings and conclusion of the study following reconditions were proposed to implement in future; there should be enough manuals and other helping content that should be provided to teachers and students for better spread of awareness. Government may need to expand the program and provide proper funding for this program to ensure proper implementation.