A Qualitative Study on Status of Implementation of School Health Programme in South Western Nigeria: Implications for Healthy Living of School Age Children in Developing Countries

Over the past decade, effective school health programme has attracted much attention in addressing various issues pertaining to school age children. This study assessed the implementation of school health programme in selected public secondary schools in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. Key informant interviews of 21 school head teachers were conducted while observational checklist/proforma was used to document the components of school health programme being implemented. Data from key informant interviews were analyzed using thematic approach. The assessment of the implementation of the various components of the school health programme revealed that school-feeding services and sanitary conditions could be better implemented in majority of the schools. Implementation was poor, most especially in the areas of school health services and healthful school environment. Reported reasons for poor implementation from key informant interviews were lack of funds and inadequate health facilities. Concerted efforts are required to intensify awareness campaign on National School Health Policy. The implementation of School Health Programme should be strengthened through advocacy to relevant stakeholders for provision of funds and health facilities.