Survey of Health Issues in Public Schools: Identifying Health Issues for the Involvement of School Pharmacists in School Health

Abstract

Under the School Safety and Health Act, which came into force in 2009, school pharmacists are now required to engage in the duties of health counselling and health guidance in addition to school environmental health. However, the proportion of school pharmacists involved in health education is low, and not all of them are qualified to participate. Therefore, this study targets school principals, school nurse-teachers, physical education supervisors, health coordinators, science supervisors, nutrition teachers (dietitians), and school pharmacists from among the teaching staff of all public schools in Funabashi city. Here, a survey was conducted on issues related to school health that are important at the school site, in which school pharmacists should participate. Health issues identified at school sites included dependence on smartphones or other devices, leftover food, food likes and dislikes, lack of sleep, dealing with food allergies and anaphylaxis, and handling menstrual problems or pain. School pharmacists were also asked about matters of school health in which they would like to participate. These issues differed significantly among those participating in the survey, with responses including correct use of drugs, overdose, drug abuse prevention, prevention of energy drink overdose, anti-smoking education, and infectious disease control.