2026-05-19
Objectives
1. Assess the nutritional status of students through height and weight measurement.
2. Screen students for visual impairment using the Snellen chart.
3. Identify students with possible health concerns requiring further evaluation.
4. Promote early detection and referral for timely medical intervention.
Grades: 1 to 8 students
Total number of participants: All students from grades 1 to 8 (412 students)
Methodology
The project was conducted systematically across three phases:
Phase 1: Registration and Orientation
Students were registered grade-wise, and the purpose of the health screening was explained to teachers and students. Instructions were provided to ensure smooth coordination during the screening process. Class monitors from each grade were oriented and assigned specific duties to assist the team.
Phase 2: Height and Weight Measurement
Height and weight measurements were taken for all participating students using standard measuring equipment. These measurements were used to assess nutritional status and identify students who may require further nutritional evaluation.
Phase 3: Visual Acuity Testing
Visual acuity assessment was performed using the Snellen chart under appropriate testing conditions. Each student was screened individually to identify any difficulty in distant vision.
Outcomes
1. Nutritional assessment completed: Height and weight measurements were successfully recorded for all 412 participating students to assess nutritional status.
2. Visual screening findings: Fourteen students were identified with reduced visual acuity during the screening.
3. Referral and follow-up: The findings were reported to the school nurse, who was advised to coordinate with parents and refer the identified students to a hospital for further ophthalmological evaluation and management.
4. Awareness promotion: The screening increased awareness among students and teachers regarding the importance of regular health check-ups and early detection.
5. Effective student support: Dedicated class monitors from each class assisted throughout the session, helping keep their peers in discipline and ensuring smooth transitions between screening stations.
Observations
· Students were cooperative and actively participated throughout the screening process.
· Teachers and school staff provided valuable assistance in coordinating student flow.
· Class monitors played a crucial role in maintaining order, managing queues, and guiding younger students, which significantly improved the efficiency of the session.
· Most students demonstrated normal visual acuity; however, 14 cases of decreased visual acuity were detected.
· The presence of the school nurse allowed for immediate reporting and preliminary documentation of the 14 identified cases.
Recommendations
1. Regular periodic health screenings: Conduct similar screenings at least once per academic year to enable early detection of vision and nutritional concerns.
2. Strengthen nurse-led follow-up: The school nurse should maintain a health register for the 14 identified students, track their hospital visits, and ensure any prescribed glasses or treatments are obtained.
3. Continue and expand the class monitor system: The use of dedicated class monitors proved highly effective. Future screenings should not only retain this practice but also provide brief training to monitors on crowd management and basic screening station flow.
4. Parent-teacher awareness sessions: Organize sessions to educate parents about the importance of early vision correction, as lack of awareness often delays treatment.
5. Establish vision screening as a routine school health activity: Integrate height, weight, and vision checks into the annual school health calendar, reducing dependency on external teams over time.
6. Create a health notice board: Display tips on eye care, nutrition, and hygiene, updated monthly to reinforce learning.
Conclusion
The School Health Screening Project at Shree Siddhimangal Higher Secondary School, Mahalaxmi, was successfully conducted on 19th May 2026 and achieved its objectives of assessing nutritional status and screening for visual impairment among 412 students. The identification of 14 students with reduced visual acuity highlights the importance of routine school-based health screening. The active involvement of class monitors greatly enhanced the smooth execution of the program, demonstrating the value of student leadership in health initiatives. YLCGH Nepal extends sincere gratitude to the school administration, teachers, the school nurse, class monitors, and all students for their cooperation and support.
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