Evaluating school health services in Nepal

A mixed methods analysis of nurses’ and principals’ perceptions

Abstract

School nurses play a critical role in delivering health services, promoting wellness, and safeguarding the well-being of students and staff. This study examines the current state of school health services in Nepal and explores the perceptions of school nurses and principals regarding the nurses’ professional responsibilities and contributions. Employing a mixed methods design, the study integrates quantitative survey data with thematic analysis of qualitative interviews to comprehensively understand stakeholder perspectives. Findings reveal a statistically significant difference in perception scores, with principals assigning higher value to the nurse’s role (M = 4.45) compared to nurses themselves (M = 4.06). Both groups affirmed the importance of school nurses in providing first aid, monitoring student health, and supporting overall school wellness. The results underscore the need for more explicit role definitions, enhanced interprofessional collaboration, and policy-level support to optimize the effectiveness of school health services in low-resource settings. This study contributes valuable insights to the global discourse on school health systems and highlights implications for education and public health policy in Nepal and comparable contexts.