Promoting and Protecting the Health of School-Aged and Adolescent Populations Allender and Spradley - Chapter 28

Global View Focus of resources on improving the health and well-being of children –International organizations - World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children ’ s Fund (formerly UNICEF) –Governmental agencies –Nonprofit groups –Charitable foundations

Major Problems 1 Economic - Increased risks of poor health, lower standardized test scores, failure in school, out-of-wedlock births, violent crime victimization, and end up as poor adults Accident/Injury - motor vehicle injury is the leading cause, followed by firearm and drowning deaths Communicable diseases - primarily respiratory illness, followed by infectious and parasitic diseases, injuries, and digestive conditions

Major Problems 2 Chronic disease - Commonly hay fever, sinusitis, dermatitis, tonsillitis, asthma, diabetes, seizure disorders, and hearing difficulties; also cancer Behavioral problems and disabilities - have both genetic and environmental causes; ADHD, speech or language impairment, mental retardation, serious emotional disturbances, autism, deaf-blindness, orthopedic problems, traumatic brain injury

Major Problems 3 Head lice - a common problem, infesting 6 to 12 million children annually Nutrition - primarily overeating (obesity) and inappropriate food choices (high intake of intake of fats, sweets and sodas) Dental hygiene - dental caries most common chronic disease; affects over half Inactivity - related to TV viewing (staying up late and decreased sleep time ), and lack of daily physical activity

Adolescent Health Problems Emotional problems - spiritual poverty, boredom, low self-esteem, depression, and lack of motivation Violence and Substance abuse - unintentional injuries (MVIs), homicide and suicide are the top three causes of death; increased risk-taking behavior includes gangs, precocious sex, drugs and alcohol and guns

Adolescent Health Problems 2 Indiscriminate sexual activity - result in teen pregnancy and STDs, including HIV/AIDS Nutrition and eating disorders - obesity and associated with body image and control (anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge eating) Acne - affect 79% to 95% of adolescents in westernized societies; greasy foods or chocolate are not the cause

Programs and Services Preventive - Immunizations, Screenings (TB testing, vision, hearing, dental, scoliosis), Nutrition and Exercise Programs Education - Family planning, Infectious disease (STD, HIV), Substance abuse (alcohol, tobacco), Illness/Injury Prevention (MVI, fire, poisoning), Social Services - Child protective services (abuse and neglect), Counseling, Crisis prevention, Dental (fluoride rinses and sealants)

School Based Health Centers (SBHC) Benefits - increase access to health care, convenient time, decrease absences from school, a variety of services in a user-friendly manner, convenient location, low or no costs Objections - requires increased financial and technical support

School Nurse Training Usually a registered nurse (frequently BSN) Operates from either the school system or the health department A specialized role requiring specialized skills in school health assessment and intervention (some states require certification or credentialing) School nurse practitioners - advanced academic and clinical preparation

School Nurse Responsibilities Primarily responsible for promotion and maintenance of health and prevention of illness in school-aged children and school personnel in an educational setting Identifies health-related barriers to learning Advocates for students, their families, and the school community

Main Functions of School Nurse Practice Roles - care provider, change agent, teacher, manager, and educator Integrate health services - coordinating the interdisciplinary team effort (counseling, nutrition, physical education) Provide health education - teaching of health concepts, developing health curriculum, and utilizing resources Protect the healthful school environment