Assessing the Provision of Healthcare Services and their Effects in Rural Secondary Schools in Tanzania
Abstract
This study assessed the provision of healthcare services and their impact on students in rural secondary schools in Tanzania, with a focus on academic performance, attendance, and overall well-being. Using a quantitative research approach with a survey design, data were collected from 329 respondents, including both students and teachers, across 15 randomly selected secondary schools in Mbeya Rural District. Findings revealed significant gaps in healthcare provisions, such as a dependency on untrained school staff and a lack of essential resources, including mental health counselling, routine medical checkups, and physical fitness evaluations. Students strongly acknowledged the connection between healthcare services and their academic performance, highlighting that health-related challenges, like absenteeism and difficulty concentrating, adversely affected their learning outcomes. Based on these findings, the study recommends several actions: assigning trained healthcare personnel to rural schools to provide consistent care and health education, increasing funding for medical supplies, incorporating mental health counselling into school programs, and establishing comprehensive health education initiatives. Additionally, affordable health insurance and reliable transportation to nearby healthcare facilities are suggested to alleviate health-related educational barriers. These measures aim to build a stronger school health system that addresses students' immediate health needs while promoting long-term academic success and well-being, fostering more supportive educational environments in rural areas
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