HEALTH CARE FACILITIES AT SCHOOL

PERCEPTION OF STUDENTS

Abstract

Schools should pertain to a comprehensive system to deal with day to day
emergencies, as children spend more than six hours at school and are liable to suffer from
injuries and illnesses. Objectives: This study was conducted with the objective of assessing
the experiences of students regarding healthcare management especially first aid patterns at
school. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Study was conducted on 50 students
enrolled from ten identified public and private schools of Lahore Period: Six months. Methods:
In depth interviews were conducted on students from classes 6-10 who had suffered from an
injury or illness during school hours within the last six months. Results: In these 50 students
the most common injury were fractures and dislocations (15), most common illness was fever
(19). Majority (41) were managed at schools with a first aid facility and provision of sick rooms
(28). Teachers were the main healthcare providers in private schools (17), as compared to
public schools (9). Lack of properly trained health professionals was observed; only 7 out of 50
schools had employed nurses. Health education regarding hand washing, personal hygiene,
dengue prevention was being provided in (45) schools. Conclusion: This study highlights the
importance of provision of first aid services at school and the need to train teachers regarding
basic life support. Implementation of the existing school health program needs to be emphasized
in all schools of Lahore.