Compliance to the Integrated School Health Policy: Intersectoral and multisectoral collaboration, Tshwane, South Africa

Objective

A study was conducted to describe the compliance of schools in the City of Tshwane in 2015 to the Integrated School Health Policy (ISHP).

At the time there were 598 public schools with 448 720 registered pupils in this area.

Results

Only one third (66) of the 179 schools invited to take part in the questionnaire agreed to be part of the study.

Widespread non compliance to integration of the ISHP and collaboration were reported:

Collaboration with local health department

58% of the schools did not collaborate with the local health department.

Involvement with community organisations

60% of the schools had no integration with the SGB, community leaders, faith based organisations or ward councilor.

Participation of the school based learner bodies

86% of the schools reported no involvement of the learner bodies with the integration of ISHP at their schools.

Dedicated school health nurse

65% of the schools did not have the service of a school’s health nurse.

Involvement of parents/families with ISHP

70% of the schools did not comply with broader community collaboration

Conclusion

Widespread non compliance to integration of the ISHP and collaboration with stakeholders.

This resulted in fragmented, uncoordinated and an unsustainable approach which leads to alienation of parents and communities.

Recommendations

Schools to collaborate with stakeholders

Teachers need to be trained to know their role in the ISHP

Schools to establish baseline standards of compliance.

Curriculum development to in-cooperate relevant health education.

A policy oversight authority needs to be established to oversee compliance of the schools to the ISHP.

Study was published February 2019