Background of the Study
School health programs (SHPs) are essential for improving the well-being of students, as they address common health issues, promote hygiene, and prevent diseases. Globally, nurse-led school health programs have been shown to reduce absenteeism, enhance student awareness of health issues, and improve overall academic performance (Smith et al., 2023). In Nigeria, school health programs are part of national efforts to promote preventive healthcare, yet their implementation varies across states and schools.
Minna, the capital of Niger State, has a growing number of secondary schools, many of which rely on school nurses to deliver health education and provide primary healthcare services. Nurses in school settings educate students on nutrition, hygiene, reproductive health, and disease prevention, ensuring that adolescents develop lifelong healthy habits (Olawale & Bello, 2024). However, despite their importance, there is limited empirical evidence on the effectiveness of nurse-led school health programs in Minna. Questions remain about whether these programs are well-structured, adequately resourced, and impactful in improving student health outcomes.
School health programs also face challenges such as insufficient funding, limited collaboration between schools and healthcare providers, and cultural barriers that influence the reception of health education (Ajayi et al., 2023). Given these concerns, it is necessary to examine the effectiveness of nurse-led school health programs in Minna to determine their impact and identify areas for improvement.
Statement of the Problem
Many secondary school students in Nigeria suffer from preventable health issues, such as poor hygiene, malnutrition, and reproductive health challenges. School health programs, led by nurses, are expected to address these concerns by providing health education and preventive care. However, the extent to which these programs are achieving their objectives in Minna remains unclear. Are students benefiting from these programs? Do schools provide adequate support for nurse-led health initiatives? Without empirical data on their effectiveness, it is difficult to strengthen or reform school health policies. This study seeks to bridge this knowledge gap by assessing the impact of nurse-led school health programs in secondary schools in Minna.
Objectives of the Study
1. To evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-led school health programs in promoting student health in secondary schools in Minna.
2. To identify the challenges faced by nurses in implementing school health programs.
3. To assess students' knowledge and attitudes toward school health programs.
Research Questions
1. How effective are nurse-led school health programs in promoting student health in secondary schools in Minna?
2. What challenges do nurses face in implementing school health programs?
3. How do students perceive and engage with school health programs?
Research Hypotheses
1. Nurse-led school health programs significantly improve student health outcomes in secondary schools in Minna.
2. Limited resources and lack of institutional support hinder the effectiveness of school health programs.
3. Students who actively participate in school health programs exhibit better health awareness and behaviors than those who do not.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on secondary schools in Minna where nurse-led health programs are implemented. It will involve surveys with students, interviews with school nurses, and an assessment of available health resources. Limitations may include variability in school health program structures, reluctance of some students to discuss health issues, and the potential bias of self-reported data.
Definitions of Terms
• School health programs: Organized health initiatives in schools aimed at promoting the physical, mental, and social well-being of students.
• Nurse-led interventions: Health initiatives designed and conducted by nurses to improve health outcomes.
• Health education: The process of informing and educating individuals about health-related topics to encourage healthy behaviors.
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