Effect of health screening and School Nurse Interventions on primary school students' knowledge, behavior, and status in Turkey: A quasi-experimental Omaha System study

This study aimed to determine the effect of health screening and school nurse interventions using a community-based, comprehensive practice and documentation system to improve knowledge, behavior, and status scores of primary school students. A quasi-experimental study design with pretest and posttest of a single group was used. The research was conducted between November 2017 and January 2018 with 473 students at a primary school in southern Turkey. Health screening procedures and the Omaha System were used to identify health problems. Evidence-based school nurse interventions were implemented. The outcomes, including knowledge, behaviors, and status scores, were measured using the Problem Rating Scale for Outcomes. The scores were evaluated at the baseline and at the end of 10 weeks. Students' health problems, such as inadequate vision, hypertension, obesity, and second-hand smoke, were identified during the health screening. None of the students was neglected or abused. The most common health problems concerned Oral health, Neuro-musculo-skeletal function, Nutrition, and Vision. The intervention categories included Teaching, Guidance, and Counseling (58.1%); Case Management (20.9%); Surveillance (17.8%); and Treatment and Procedures (3.2%). A significant increase in Knowledge, Behavior, and Status scores was noted after interventions. The results showed that health screening was effective in detecting school-age children's health problems. Knowledge, behavior, and status of primary students improved after school nurse interventions. School nurses can use health screening and evidence-based interventions to protect and improve children's health. The Omaha System enables robust documentation to demonstrate outcomes after interventions. •Health problems detected during health screening can be documented with the Omaha System.•Knowledge, Behavior and Status scores increased after School Nurse Interventions.•Student reported health behavior improved after health screening and study interventions.