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School‐Based Health Services in Virginia and the COVID ‐19 Pandemic
Author(s) -
Kranz Ashley M.,
Steiner Elizabeth D.,
Mitchell Jean M.
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
journal of school health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.851
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1746-1561
pISSN - 0022-4391
DOI - 10.1111/josh.13147
Subject(s) - pandemic , mental health , public health , medicine , covid-19 , health education , family medicine , medical education , nursing , psychology , psychiatry , disease , pathology , infectious disease (medical specialty)
BACKGROUND Schools have a long history of delivering health services, but it is unclear how the COVID‐19 pandemic may have disrupted this. This study examined changes in school‐based health services and student needs before and during the pandemic and the factors important for delivering school‐based health services. METHODS A web‐based survey regarding the impact of the pandemic on school‐based health services was distributed via email to all 1178 Virginia public elementary schools during May 2021. RESULTS Responding schools (N = 767, response rate = 65%) reported providing fewer school‐based health services during the 2020‐2021 school year than before the pandemic, with the largest declines reported for dental screenings (51% vs 15%) and dental services (40% vs 12%). Reports show that mental health was a top concern for students increased from 15% before the pandemic to 27% (P < .001). Support from families and school staff were identified by most respondents (86% and 83%, respectively) as very important for the delivery of school‐based health services. CONCLUSIONS Schools reported delivering fewer health services to students during the 2020‐2021 school year and heightened concern about students' mental health. Understanding what schools need to deliver health services can assist state and local education and health officials and promote child health.