A conceptual framework for effective dissemination and implementation of a policy on school health in rural Nigeria

BACKGROUND: There is a marked inequality between children in public schools and their counterparts in private schools in terms of school healthcare in rural Nigeria. This is because of the ineffective dissemination and implementation of a policy on school health in public schools. Effective dissemination and implementation of such policy can reduce the prevalence of risky health behaviours amongst young people and have a positive effect on academic performance. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to develop a conceptual framework for the effective dissemination and implementation of a policy on school health in rural Nigeria. METHODS: This study consisted of four phases as follows: an empirical phase, concept classification, framework development and critical reflection on the conceptual framework. An exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was used to develop the framework. The work of Dickoff et al. was used to classify concepts from the empirical phase. Chinn and Kramer’s nursing theory on generative method was used for the development of the conceptual framework and for critical review. RESULTS: The framework consisted of six components, namely, departments of health and education (context); health or educational professionals in the ministries (agents); health or educational practitioners, pupils, parents and communities (recipients); ratification of a policy on school health, stakeholder engagement, training as well as monitoring and evaluation (process); communication, collaborative partnership, commitment and support (dynamics); and effective dissemination and implementation of a policy on school health. CONCLUSION: The framework would be a firm foundation and contribution to improve the health of children in public schools, and well-being and academic performance that would be a good feat towards the future endeavour. The findings of the study are pertinent to school health nursing practice, education and research.