School‐Based Health Services in Virginia and the Covid ‐19 Pandemic

Bibliographic Data

ID21354569
AuthorsAshley M Kranz (0000-0003-0507-7800, RAND Corporation, 1200 S. Hayes Street Arlington VA 22202, corresponding author), Elizabeth D Steiner (0000-0002-5586-8494, RAND Corporation, 4570 Fifth Ave #600 Pittsburgh PA 15213, corresponding author), Jean M Mitchell (0000-0002-2765-4624, Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy, 37th and O Streets NW Washington DC 20057, corresponding author)
Year2022
Volume92
Issue5
Pages436-444
Publication date2022-05-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of School Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0022-4391 • E-ISSN: 1746-1561
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/josh.13147
PMID35191033
OpenAlexW4213296439
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited11

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.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) · Family medicine · Health education · Medical education · Mental health · Pandemic · Psychiatry · Public health · Child and Adolescent Health · COVID-19 and Mental Health · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology · School Health and Nursing Education

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