Chile: perspectives in school health

Abstract

The leading health problems of children and adolescents in Chile is reviewed. The Chilean educational system and how the system addresses its principal health problems are described. A school health program is described as well as other educational programs designed and developed by nongovernmental institutions which have a smaller coverage. Current research studies regarding growth and development, child morbidity, nutritional level, and mental health studies are reviewed. In addition, principal challenges that include developing more efficient ways of referring children, enriching the curriculum and teacher training, assigning school hours for health teachers, and enlarging coverage of the health care evaluation programs are outlined. Of special importance is developing prevention programs for parents and children using school and community leaders to prevent health problems in areas such as human sexuality education, decision-making, social abilities, and alcohol and drug abuse. Main efforts should be directed toward low-income families and children to improve life conditions.

PIP: The leading health problems of children and adolescents in Chile is reviewed. The Chilean educational system and how the system addresses its principal health problems are described. A school health program is described as well as other educational programs designed and developed by nongovernmental institutions which have a smaller coverage. Current research studies regarding growth and development, child morbidity, nutritional level, and mental health studies are reviewed. In addition, principal challenges that include developing more efficient ways of referring children, enriching the curriculum and teacher training, assigning school hours for health teachers, and enlarging coverage of the health care evaluation programs are outlined. Of special importance is developing prevention programs for parents and children using school and community leaders to prevent health problems in areas such as human sexuality education, decision making, social abilities, and alcohol and drug abuse. Main effort should be directed toward low-income families and children to improve life conditions. The Chilean school health program includes health screenings for high-risk schools. These are defined as those located in low socioeconomic communities. There are medical clinics for problems detected by the school health evaluation through anthropometric tests. If necessary, the student is hospitalized. Immunization is carried out in every Chilean elementary school (grades 1-8). Local health programs consist of health promotion programs, disease prevention programs, and mental health programs (including substance addiction). The greatest challenge now is to implement local, regional, and national policies, adapting the program to regional differences; creating new educational areas, and providing human resources and materials.