ASSESSMENT OF FIRST AID SERVICES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KOSOFE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF LAGOS, NIGERIA

Abstract

First aid services (FAS) in schools constitute an important component of school health services designed for promptly addressing the health problems which affect students and staff while at school. In Nigeria, there is dearth of information regarding the availability and patterns of provision of FAS in secondary schools. This study was therefore aimed at assessing the availability and pattern of provision of FAS in secondary schools in Kosofe Local Government Area (LGA) and the students' perceptions of the services. The study was descriptive and cross-sectional in design. Four instruments were used to gather relevant information. Focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted among students to determine their general perceptions about the quality of FAS. In-depth interviews (IDI) were used to document policy issues and common health problems of students from fifteen principals/vice-principals, fourteen FAS providers and three key State policy makers. Observations using a checklist were used to assess the contents of first aid (FA) boxes. A set of questionnaires was used to interview 400 randomly selected students from twenty schools. All instruments were pre-tested. Results showed that survey participants consisted of 184 (46%) males and 216 (56%) females. Their ages ranged from 11-21 years, with a mean of 15.1 years (SD ±1.97). In -depth interview results showed that there was no formal policy regarding FAS provision in schools. Observations showed that 14 (70%) schools had first aid boxes but less than half, 6 (42.2%), had well stocked boxes. Six (30%) schools had equipped sickbays. Although majority of the students, 307 (76.7%), stated that their schools had FAS, only slightly above half, 160 (52.1%) had ever used them. Majority, 364 (91%), had ever heard about “first aid care" and "first aid box" while slightly more than half, 206 (51.5%), heard about sickbay. The first aid (FA) care providers included 11 (79%) health teachers. 2 (14%) registered nurses, and one (7.0%), attendant. Health problems commonly treated through" FAS were headache, (92.9%); stomach pain, (85.7%); cuts/wounds/injuries, (78.6%); malaria, (57.1%); and menstrual pain, (50%). Drugs and supply stocked for FAS included Analgesics (85.7%), Gentian Violet (85.7%); Ointments (78.6%); liniment (64.3%); Antacids (57.1%); Glucose (35.7%); Methylated spirit (57.1%); Cotton cool (85.7%); Bandages, (78.6%); and Balm (57.1%). The knowledge of the students about: FA was assessed on a scale of 1-6. Their mean knowledge score about FA was 4.95 (SD±1.1). The perception that FA providers were not friendly cut across all the students. Majority , 193 (63.8%), of those who reportedly had FAS in their schools wanted providers trained. Less than half, 152 (49.5%) were satisfied with the FAS provided while the others were dissatisfied. Reasons for dissatisfaction included inadequate drugs/supplies, 61(69.3%), unfriendly attitudes of providers, 12(13.6%), inadequate personnel, 5 (5.6%), and lack of conducive environment, 4 (4.6%). In conclusion, although FAS exists in many schools, much needs to be done to improve the quality of the services. It is recommended that training be used to ameliorate this situation. Furthermore, a policy is needed to guide the provision of FAS in schools in the study area.