Background of the Study
Cardiovascular health in adolescents is increasingly recognized as a critical area of focus in preventive health care. As the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) continues to rise globally, it has become apparent that early education on heart health can play a significant role in reducing future morbidity and mortality. School nurses, as health professionals positioned within the school system, are uniquely placed to provide education on cardiovascular health to young people (Rogers et al., 2023). Their role in fostering positive health behaviors, particularly in the formative years of adolescence, can have long-term benefits, especially in the context of Nigeria, where the burden of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, is growing (Ishola et al., 2024).
In Osun State, school nurses are integral to the health services within the educational sector. Their involvement in educating students about cardiovascular health is essential in shaping future lifestyle choices. Cardiovascular health education in schools can help students understand the significance of physical activity, balanced diets, and the risks associated with smoking and excessive alcohol consumption (Olamide et al., 2023). However, the extent to which school nurses are actively involved in cardiovascular health education and the impact of such education on adolescent health behaviors remains under-explored. This study, therefore, seeks to assess the role of school nurses in educating adolescents on cardiovascular health, examining their approaches, challenges, and the effectiveness of their educational interventions.
Statement of the Problem
Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death globally, with increasing rates among young populations (Garett et al., 2023). In Osun State, there is limited understanding of how school nurses are contributing to the education of adolescents regarding cardiovascular health. School nurses are expected to offer not only clinical support but also health education to students, yet their role in cardiovascular health promotion is not well-documented. Without a clear understanding of the strategies employed by these nurses or the barriers they face, it is challenging to evaluate their effectiveness in reducing the risk of CVD in young populations. This gap in knowledge impedes the development of targeted interventions that could improve cardiovascular health education in schools and, by extension, the health outcomes of adolescents in the region.
Objectives of the Study
1. To examine the role of school nurses in educating adolescents on cardiovascular health in Osun State.
2. To evaluate the effectiveness of cardiovascular health education provided by school nurses.
3. To identify the challenges faced by school nurses in delivering cardiovascular health education.
Research Questions
1. What is the role of school nurses in educating adolescents about cardiovascular health in Osun State?
2. How effective is cardiovascular health education provided by school nurses in influencing adolescents' health behaviors?
3. What challenges do school nurses encounter in providing cardiovascular health education in schools?
Research Hypotheses
1. There is no significant relationship between the role of school nurses and adolescents’ knowledge of cardiovascular health in Osun State.
2. The effectiveness of cardiovascular health education provided by school nurses has no significant impact on the cardiovascular health behaviors of adolescents in Osun State.
3. The challenges faced by school nurses in delivering cardiovascular health education significantly hinder their effectiveness.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The scope of this study is limited to school nurses in Osun State, Nigeria. It will focus on assessing their role in cardiovascular health education, evaluating the effectiveness of their interventions, and identifying barriers to their work. The study will also be limited to secondary school students, and the findings may not be generalized to other educational levels or geographical regions. One limitation of the study is the reliance on self-reported data from school nurses, which may be subject to bias. Additionally, the availability of school nurses and their cooperation may affect the sample size.
Definitions of Terms
• Cardiovascular Health Education: The process of providing information and skills to adolescents to prevent cardiovascular diseases through lifestyle modifications such as healthy eating, physical activity, and avoiding harmful behaviors.
• School Nurses: Registered nurses working in schools, responsible for providing healthcare services to students and promoting health education.
• Adolescents: Individuals aged between 10 and 19 years, who are in the developmental stage between childhood and adulthood.
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